MITLA ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE

OAXACA STATE, MEXICO

Mitla was still occupied and functioning as the main religious center when the Spanish arrived in the 1520s. 

The high priest, called the Uija-tào, resided at Mitla, and the Spanish likened him to the pope. 

Nobles buried at Mitla were destined to become “cloud people” who would intercede on behalf of the population below.

At that time the urban center covered an area of 1 to 2 square kilometres.

--Wiki

MITLA ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE

OAXACA STATE, MEXICO

Mitla itself was inhabited at least since the 100-650 CE and perhaps from as early as 900 BCE.

It began as a fortified village on the outer edge of the valley and later became the main religious center for the area. 

The Mixtecs took control of the area around 1000 CE, although the area remained populated by the Zapotec. 

The city reached its height and largest size between 750 and 1521 with both Zapotec and Mixtec influences in its architecture during that time. 

Mitla is one of the pre-Columbian sites that represent the Mesoamerican belief that death was the most consequential part of life after birth. 

It was built as a gateway between the world of the living and the world of the dead. 

--Wikipedia

MITLA ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE

OAXACA STATE, MEXICO

Mitla is one of many well-preserved archeological sites of the Oaxaca Valley, where the dry climate has conserved sites as old as 10,000 years. 

This valley was settled by the Zapotecs who over the centuries developed a hierarchical society governed by kings and nobles.

While the valley was relatively isolated, the Zapotecs did have contacts with other Mesoamerican peoples. 

By the time the Spanish arrived, the Zapotec state had a population of over 500,000, sophisticated construction techniques, two calendar systems and agriculture using irrigation and terraces in the mountains to grow food for a mostly urban population.

--Wikipedia

MITLA ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE

OAXACA STATE, MEXICO

Mitla is the second most important archeological site in the state of Oaxaca, and the most important of the Zapotec culture.

The site is located 44 km from the city of Oaxaca in the upper end of the Tlacolula Valley, one of the three that form the Central Valleys Region of the state.

The archeological site is within the modern municipality of San Pablo Villa de Mitla. 

While Monte Alban was most important as the political center, Mitla was the main religious center. 

The name Mitla is derived from the Nahuatl name Mictlan, which was the place of the dead or underworld. 

What makes Mitla unique among Mesoamerican sites is the elaborate and intricate mosaic fretwork and geometric designs that cover tombs, panels, friezes and even entire walls. 

These mosaics are made with small, finely cut and polished stone pieces which have been fitted together without the use of mortar. No other site in Mexico has this.

--Wiki