Zaachila

Zaachila is a ruined city of the Zapotecs and Mixtecs in the Valley of Oaxaca in southern Mexico.

Location

Zaachila is located about 17 km ( driving distance ) south of the city of Oaxaca de Juarez. Up to the archaeological site of Mitla Yagul and there are about 40 or 67 km to the east.

Name

The original name of the place is unknown. The name was chosen after a Zaachila Zapotec rulers with names Zaachila Yoo, who is said to have ruled in the period around 1400.

History

The history of pre-Hispanic settlement is unclear - while some researchers suggest their beginnings in the 11th or 12th century, others advocate an even later, possibly Mixtec or even Aztec origin; However, the latter seems unlikely because of the clearly discernible relationship to Mitla. In general, one assumes, however, that the place was only established after the abandonment of Monte Alban ( around 1000 AD ).

Attractions

Since many hill structures ( mounds ) are in the range of the present city, the excavations have not yet progressed very far - about the architecture of the settlement thus little is known. Only one of the hill with a palace ruins enclosed by space, in which two palatial princely graves Zapotec origin have been introduced, is exposed and accessible to visitors.

Monitor with skull

Monitor with turtle shell

Wächtereule