The term "Anasazi" refers to an ancient Native American culture that thrived in the southwestern United States, particularly in the regions of present-day Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. They are known for their impressive cliff dwellings and multi-story stone structures, which were built between approximately 100 AD and 1300 AD. The Anasazi were skilled farmers, growing crops like corn, beans, and squash, and they developed complex irrigation systems to support their agriculture. The Anasazi culture is often associated with the Pueblo peoples, who are their descendants. By the late 13th century, many Anasazi communities began to abandon their settlements, possibly due to factors like drought, resource depletion, or social conflict. Today, their legacy is preserved in archaeological sites such as Mesa Verde and Chaco Canyon, which provide insight into their sophisticated society and way of life.