Archeologists Uncover Ancient Arizona Canals
Archeologists working at the site of a proposed development in Mesa, Ariz., say they have unearthed one of the largest integrated canal systems built by the Hohokam Indians in the Phoenix area.
Twenty Hohokam canals, uncovered during an archeological survey of the 240-acre site, have been found since October. The largest measures 45 feet wide and 16 feet deep.
“They are the size of canals in Phoenix today, but these were done with digging sticks and baskets,” said Tom Wilson, director of the Mesa Southwest Museum.
Historians believe the Hohokam lived in central and southern Arizona for about 1,500 years, sometime between 300 BC and AD 1400.
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