Archaeologists surprised by size of village uncovered at mall site

MARANA, Ariz. — Archaeologists knew that there were remnants of a Hohokam village near the town of Marana, but when they began excavating the area for a proposed shopping mall they were surprised by the size of the site. The Ironwood Village dig revealed nearly 100 houses and more than 200 burial sites, as well as evidence of a ball court that indicates the presence of a fairly large population, experts say. The artifacts were well-preserved for a village that likely dates to the 7th or 8th century before being abandoned for currently unknown reasons.