THE 5 MOST POPULAR ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES OF OAXACA - HISTORY - 2024

The most important archaeological sites in Oaxaca are Monte Albán and Mitla. Although these are the best known, the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) estimates that there are up to 4,000 sites throughout the State, many still unexcavated.

Of all the areas, only 11 are open to the public at the moment. Oaxaca is the state with the most ethnic diversity of all those that make up the United Mexican States.

This is reflected in its archaeological wealth, in which the contribution of Mixtecs and Zapotecs stands out. The latter are still relatively numerous in various municipalities of the State.

Most important archaeological zones of Oaxaca

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Monte Albán is the most outstanding site of those that can be found in Oaxaca. UNESCO itself recognized its worth by declaring it, together with the state capital (Oaxaca de Juárez), a Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 1987.

The remains found in this area belong to the political and religious capital of the Zapotec state, dominating the area for centuries.

The city that was in Monte Albán was the first urban complex of all Mesoamerica and it is estimated that it became as large as the current capital of the State.

It also highlights the time that this center was inhabited, from around 500 BC. Until 850 d. C approximately.

Among many other attractions, you can see the Great Plaza, a ball game or the building with human representations called Los Danzantes.

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It is another archaeological zone of Zapotec origin. In this case, the beginning of the settlement was in the classical era (100 to 650 AD), although it did not reach its maximum development until the post-classical era (750 to 1521 AD).

Its name means "Place of the Dead" or "Underworld" in Nahuatl, while the Zapotecs called it "Lyobaa," with a similar meaning: "Burial place." There the Zapotec priests and kings were buried, in great and beautiful tombs, Two ceremonial ensembles are preserved at the site, with their central squares. There are also three palaces.

All the buildings are characterized by having great decorative ornamentation, with elements that are novel compared to those of the rest of Mexico.

3- Archaeological Zone of Zaachila

The importance of Zaachila lies in the fact that it was the last great Zapotec city until the arrival of the Spanish.

The complex has not been fully excavated, since it is assumed that there is a good part under the houses of the current inhabitants of the town.

The city was inhabited until the conquest, in 1521. In any case, some historians affirm that it could have fallen into Mixtec hands before the arrival of the Spanish.

Proof of this may be the discovery of a couple of tombs with Mixtec symbols. The most important remains found in this site are two other tombs located in the so-called Mound A.

These are two impressive mausoleums built during the classical period, which includes between 100 and 900 AD.

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The name Lambityeco comes from the Zapotec language and means "mound of alembic". Its greatest moment of splendor was lived between 600 AD. C. and 950, when it became an important city within the Zapotec state.

The remains excavated so far only cover a small part of what was the city. Experts affirm that it was a very important complex, where high dignitaries of the culture of these indigenous people resided.

The first temazcal in Oaxaca, a kind of steam baths, was found at this site. In addition, you can see a tomb for the six Racoqui lords, which is richly decorated.

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This archaeological site was inhabited, approximately, during the year 600 AD. C and 1200 d. C.

Dainzú means "hill of organs" and is located on the side of a hill. The ancient inhabitants took advantage of these slopes to build their artificial terraces.

Despite being a secondary city within the Zapotec state, the so-called Building A presents a great artistic quality, especially the bas-reliefs representing ball players.

In addition, the Ball Game that dates back to 1000 AD also stands out. C. and that has a court with two platforms and a wall.

References

1. Archaeological area. Archaeological zones of Oaxaca, Obtained from zonaarqueologica.com.mx
2. Oaxaca Mio. Archaeological sites and zones in Oaxaca. Obtained from oaxaca-mio.com
3. UNESCO. Historic center of Oaxaca and archaeological zone of Monte Alban. Retrieved from whc.unesco.org
4. Georgievska, Marija. Mitla: One of the most important archaeological sites in the state of Oaxaca in Mexico. Retrieved from thevintagenews.com
5. Fodors. Oaxaca Sights. Retrieved from fodors.com
6. Blanton. Richard. Ancient Oaxaca. Recovered from books.google.es