My Trip to the ruins in Mitla, Mexico in 2001 by Phil Konstantin
Lifespan : 500 AD - 1250 AD
Per Wikipedia: Mitla is the second most important archeological site in the state of Oaxaca
in Mexico, 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 Albán was most important as the
political center, Mitla was the main religious center. The name Mitla is derived from the Nahuatl
name Mictlán, which was the place of the dead or underworld. Its Zapotec name is Lyobaa, which
means “place of rest.” The name Mictlán was Hispanicized to Mitla by the Spanish. However, 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.
Click on any picture below to see a larger version of it.
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since September 4, 2005