The vertical-lined pattern in the stone wall (left) is evidence that this Postclassic room was built around an earlier room with wooden support poles.

The earlier room, built with wood and adobe would have protected people from sun and rain, but it wouldn't have protected them from cold temperatures and strong winds.

Classic Mimbres (before A.D. 1150)
Archaeologists think people used field camps for shade during warm summer months.

Postclassic Mimbres (after A.D. 1150)
When people began living at the field camps year-round, they created warm durable houses by building thicker walls and roofs.