The watery secret of historic North America

Nonetheless, Huckleberry says, there’s a lot to study from the Hohokam and their ancestors, who utilised canal irrigation for 3,000 years. “That, to me, is the definition of sustainable,” he stated. “They discovered find out how to sustainably farm, to handle water, to not destroy their soils in a means that’s commendable and may give us perception into how we would cope with the present plight. I feel one of many key classes is that you do not put all of your eggs in a single basket; you propose for the worst, and also you diversify your methods.”

The Hohokam could have stopped managing their canal system, however they didn’t disappear. Their story continues with their descendants, the Akimel O’odham (“River Folks”) and Tohono O’odham (“Desert Folks”), who dwell in central and southern Arizona at the moment.

Their legacy additionally lives on within the metropolis’s modern canals, a lot of which had been constructed by retracing the Hohokam’s handiwork. The Grand Canal is now getting spruced up as a part of a challenge to attach Phoenix’s east and west suburbs in a steady multi-use path. “In the present day we’re integrating the canals into our communities to enhance neighbourhood entry, add new public artwork areas and contribute to a more healthy Phoenix by introducing them as a leisure amenity,” introduced Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego in 2020.

The Hohokam’s heritage can also be preserved in one among their villages, Pueblo Grande, a museum and archaeological park the place guests can see ballcourts, a platform mound (ceremonial home) and re-created adobe homes. Hikers can seek for Hohokam petroglyphs of coyotes, mountain sheep and spirals alongside the paths of South Mountain Preserve and Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve. And travellers can use the A Deeper Map app to swipe proper on a contemporary map of Phoenix and reveal the Hohokam improvements hidden beneath their ft.

However maybe one of many Hohokam’s most vital legacies is much less tangible: the concept it is attainable – via cooperation, dedication and shared data – to dwell sustainably on this sun-baked desert.

Ancient Engineering Marvels is a BBC Journey sequence that takes inspiration from distinctive architectural concepts or ingenious constructions constructed by previous civilisations and cultures throughout the planet.

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