A distinctive prehistoric culture called the Hohokam occupied the Tucson Basin from A.D. 650 to 1450.

During the preclassic period the Hohokam lived an agricultural life, with distinctive red on brown ceramics, and a ceremonial system that included ballcourts.

Once again, irrigation canals utilized the waters of the Santa Cruz River to allow farming in an otherwise dry desert climate.

A Hohokam red on brown vessel from the Tucson area.