Mitla

A site in central Oaxaca, Mexico, which was first occupied in the centuries before 800 BC, after which it became an outpost of Monte Albán civilization. It is generally believed that Mitla (Nahuatl: Place of the Dead) was established as a sacred burial site long before the Christian Era, probably by the Zapotecs, whose influence was predominant until about 900 AD. Between 900-1500, the Mixtecs moved down from northern Oaxaca and took possession of Mitla; it is the Mixtec influence that is most pronounced on the existing ruins. Its ceramics date from Monte Alban I (900-300 BC), but there is no structural evidence until Monte Albán III (200-1521 AD). After the parent site was abandoned in the 8th-10th centuries AD, a fortification wall was built at Mitla and pyramids were constructed there. The town became an important religious center and there are five clusters of columned, flat-roofed palace structures (Grupo de las Columnas (Columns Group), Grupo de las Iglesias (Churches Group), Grupo del Arroyo (Arroyo Group), Grupo de los Adobes (Adobe Group), and Grupo del Sur (Southern Group)). Major construction in the Early Post-Classic coincides with the abandonment of Monte Alban, suggesting that it became a new locus for the Zapotec. At the time of the Spanish Conquest, Mitla was said to be the residence of the Zapotec high priest. Certain frescoes were painted in pure Mixtec style, although Mitla itself may have remained under Zapotec control.

Located 40 km southeast of Monte Alban in Oaxaca, Mexico, Mitla was first occupied in the Middle Pre-Classic and was still in use at the time of the Spanish Conquest. Major construction in the Early Post-Classic coincides with the abandonment of Monte Alban, suggesting that it became a new locus for the Zapotec. Constructions include a fortified stronghold, five ‘palace’ complexes finished in cut-stone and plaster, and elaborate cruciform tombs. Typically, the palace complexes are rectangular patios flanked by long rows of apartment type buildings. Polychrome pottery, mosaic walls and frescos indicate a strong Mixnc influence in later times. An increasing mingling of Zapotec and Mixtic traits, also reflected at contemporary Yagul, characterizes the whole occupation. Although considered somewhat anomalous, given the increasingly secular attitudes of the Post-Classic, historical documents suggest that Mitla was a ceremonial centre under the control of a highly influential Zapotec priest.