Ruins around Oaxaca

Monte Alban

The ruins of Monte Alban are just a few minutes outside of Oaxaca.  This impressive set of ruins dates back to 500 BC, though building continued until about 950 AD; this site was abandoned at that time and the buildings were reused by the Mixtecs until the Spaniards arrived.
   

   

   

   

   

   

   


Mitla

 A bit farther afield are the ruins of Mitla.  Unlike Monte Alban which was mostly rebuilt in the early 1900s, they say the buildings at Mitla are allmost all original.  These 12th-13th century AD ruins are known for their fine geometric mossaic stonework.
     

   

The stones were carved at quarries in the hills around this site and brought to Mitla, one by one, without the aid of wheeled transport: men either carried them on their backs or they used logs to roll them upon.  According to our guide (below), each piece was cut and carved according to architectural plans and, only then were they transported here to be used in construction.  No mortar was used: each piece precisely matched the stone next to it so they nestle together perfectly.

 

 

     

Some of the original wall paintings remain.     As usual, Spainards built a church atop these ruins to demonstrate their dominance.
 



Yagul

Half-way along the road to Mitla is the old ruins of Yagul.  There are some interesting tombs and walls with original paint, etc, but mostly it is just a beautiful spot to enjoy the Valle Central.   Most of these ruins date from AD 750