The large open area at the front of Fire Temple is much like the plazas at the center of Pueblo communities today, where social and ritual activities take place. Central plazas like this one began to appear more frequently around this time, suggesting larger, more inclusive community gatherings.
This plaza is centered around a raised, round firepit flanked by rectangular floor vaults. When covered, these vaults might have served as foot drums. Painted figures of rain clouds, corn, cactus, people, and animals adorn the site. Look for white and red bands of plaster on the right and back walls.
Mesa Verde National Park
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service