Archaeological Sites: Mitla

Description
It is the second most important ceremonial centre, right after Monte Alban. The word Mitla or "Mictlan" comes from Nahuatl, which means "World of the Death" or "Underworld". It is known as "Lyobaa" in Zapoteco which means "Burial Ground". After they conquered the site, Aztecs named it Mitlan (World of the Death) and, finally it evolved to the Spanish version: Mitla.

This archaeological site, in combination with the current town are of Zapoteca origins. Mitla has been inhabited since the classic period (100 - 650 AC), reaching its peak during the post- classic period (750 - 1521 AC).

The most appealing sight featured in Mitla has to be the rich variety of ornaments that are in display throughout the site's different buildings. This achievement is due to a great system of columns, that helps set it apart from the rest of the country's archaeological zones.

There are five different groups of buildings, known as: Southern Group, Clay Group, Creek Group, Columns Group and Church Group. The first two have been classified as ceremonial centres, formed by the presence of surrounding mounds and central squares. The last three are classified as organised palaces, comprised by several chambers, set around square yards. From these five groups, the best kept ones are the Columns Group and the Church Group.

Columns Group
Its main feature is the placement of several monolithic columns, that help explain the place's name.

This group is composed by two squares. Description of the northern square: Delimited by platforms on all four sides, the central building is set to the north. In the middle of the yard there are the remains of a worshipping centre. Its wall is carved in a slope that is formed by two lines upon which the baseboard, the sacrificial board and the ledge are sustained.

The Great Hall of Columns Featuring a square base, through this hall visitors can enter the main palace, walking through a very narrow door. Outside the main passage way, one can find the Yard of columns. From here,visitors can enter any of the site's four halls. This yard is decorated with three boards carved in mosaic that feature stone walls, which display different geometrically shaped drawings to each side. These columns are composed by thousands of polished stone tablets, interrelated amongst each other, with no apparent mix applied.

The most beautiful tombstones are located in the northern and easternbuildings. This is were Zapoteca royalty and holy men were buried. The first of these buildings is located in front of the main staircase, which features a tombstone, shaped like a cross and laying behind an entrance chamber. The ceiling displays a great array of lintels carved in monolithic stone. Walls are decorated by ivy shaped tablets and mosaics. The eastern building's main distinction is its sustaining column, which is carved in monolithic stone, helping sustain the ceiling.

Location
San Pablo Villa de Mitla: Is located 27 miles (44 kilometres) East of the City of Oaxaca via highway 190 to the Isthmus. Turn left at the kilometre 39 detour to Mitla. Approximate travel time: [0:50]

Archaeological Sites

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

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