Actually, it is a different Montezuma. This one, in Sedona, is one of the best preserved cliff-dwelling sites. Montezuma Castle National Monument in Arizona is the story of a cliff dwelling built by the Sinagua people between 1100 and 1425; it has 20 rooms. The castle was named after Chief Montezuma by 19th century explorers who mistakenly thought it was Aztec. The Sinagua people were a pre-Columbian culture that lived in the Verde Valley and near Flagstaff.
By the early 1400s, the Sinagua abandoned the sites and their culture dissolved. Possible explanations for the abandonment of Montezuma Castle include drought, disease, overpopulation, depletion of natural resources leading to crop failure, and conflicts within and between groups.
I personally find it fascinating that we can date structures to such an early time.
A view of the dwellings. See how high up it is. How on earth did the people get up there?
Another view of the dwellings. Note the brilliant blue sky.
Old stone walls at Montezuma.
Have you seen cliff dwellings?
Nancy Loderick's Blog 
Posted on February 26, 2025