Archaeological Sites: Guiengola

Description
The archaeological zone of Guiengola rests upon thehills and foothills of the eastern side of Guiengola Mountain, 15 km. west of Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, close to a river named the same.

These ruins are not located underground, as most of the other archaeological sites found in the zone. This site is set several feet above the ground.

Architecture found in Guiengola is unparalleled to that of other Meso-American archaeological sites.

Tombstone 1
Set by the side of a small square, and close to a pyramid, this group of ruinsis considered to be the site's main square. The tombstone's main chamber is 9m long by 2m wide. The main corridor is 1m wide and there are two side chambers placed to each side of the main corridor. Tombstone 1 Can be found on yard 12, inside the Guiengola Palace. It was a very fancy site, one that represents what used to be the administrative centre of this, once powerful Zapoteca fortress. The tombstone was built inside the palace beneath a private or family temple, which belonged to the Palace's main Lord, often thought to be the first famous Pre-Hispanic Oaxacan Leader: Cocijoeza. This tombstone features three chambers: the main chamber and two more side chambers. The main chamber is slightly larger than the two side chambers. This tombstone, which was set on a public place, is larger than Tombstone 2. The floor of Tombstone 1 covers a distance of 23 m.

Tombstone 2
Due to its setting, inside the Palace and beneath a small private temple, it is presumed that it was destined to be the resting place of the place's ruler or some of his closest relatives and/or friends. Some local archaeologists have expressed they feel that the presence of the temples is an indication of hallowed sites, built to pay tribute to the dead that rested inside the tombs.

According to Father Francisco de Burgoa, a famous Oaxacan historian, the main entrance or main chamber, was meant to become a sanctuary for Zapoteca idols, while the remaining chambers were destined to be the resting place of important leaders and/or warriors.

In order to visit this archaeological zone, visitors must be cautious and be well prepared for the wilderness, since there are no services available whatsoever.

Location
The site is located 150.99 miles southeast of Oaxaca City, on Federal Highway 190 headed for Istmo de Tehuantepec. 9.94 miles before you reach Istmo, in a small town called Paraje las Texas, turn left on a 3.72 miles long unpaved, dusty road, until you reach the archaeological parking lot. Estimated traveling time: 3:30 hrs. to the site's parking lot.

Archaeological Sites

Dainzú	Guiengola	Huamelulpan
Huijazoo	Lambityeco	Mitla
Monte Albán	Nopala	San José el Mogote
Tututepec	Yagul	Yucuita
	Zaachila

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