Published September 16, 2025 04:10PM
Southwest Petroglyphs Survived 1,000 Years—Until a Church Underwent Construction
The full extent of the damage is unclear, though some social media users have stated that the petroglyphs were “bulldozed"
A petroglyph panel in Northern Arizona displaying Sinaguan or Hohokam traditional markings (Photo: DOUGBERRY/Getty Images)
A series of petroglyphs estimated to be between 700 and 1,000 years old was allegedly damaged by construction crews renovating a church north of Phoenix, Arizona.
According to news outlet , the rocks containing the ancient symbols were damaged by construction workers in early September. On September 10, news station toured the site where the petroglyphs used to sit. The site is now an empty field of dirt.
Phoenix city officials told ԹϺ that when city staff went to the site on September 12, it appeared as if rocks, including those that contained the petroglyphs, may have “been pushed around by heavy machinery.” The stones were not removed from the property, officials said.
“The City of Phoenix is working with church leaders and representatives from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa and Gila River Indian Community Tribal Historic Preservation Office to assess petroglyph damage,” city officials told ԹϺ in an email.
“The City will coordinate a site visit with Tribal representatives, conduct an archaeological survey, and educate the community and church about the significance of these petroglyphs and hilltop archaeological sites to local descendant communities and the importance of their preservation for future generations. We remain committed to a respectful and informed resolution.”
The full extent of the damage is unclear, though some social media users have stated that the petroglyphs were “.”
Local news outlets and reported that the petroglyphs were located on property owned by Christ’s Church of the Valley in North Phoenix. Even so, petroglyphs in Arizona are by the Archaeological Resources Protection Act. State laws also provide for both felony and misdemeanor prosecution with imprisonment and fines.
ԹϺ also contacted Christ’s Church of the Valley for more information on the petroglyphs, but did not receive a response. In a statement to Arizona television station , the church wrote: “During routine perimeter campus maintenance a neighbor raised concern that work on our property might affect nearby petroglyphs. We are in consultation with Dr. Christopher Schwartz, city of Phoenix Archaeologist, to review and advise any appropriate next steps. None of the petroglyphs have been removed from our property and our priority is ensuring preservation standards are upheld and that any work on our property reflects the proper precautions. We will continue to follow the city’s guidance closely.”
As the Arizona NBC affiliate station 12 News reported, the carvings are believed to be linked to the Hohokam people. Nearby similar petroglyphs are estimated to be between 700 and 1,000 years old.
Petroglyphs are ancient illustrations created by carving away the outer, darker layer of stone to expose lighter stone beneath. They differ from pictographs, which are rock paintings created using mineral pigments, such as hematite or charcoal.
According to the , petroglyphs in the region were primarily created by the Hohokam, who occupied the area from 450 to 1450.