Yagul
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| Yagul | |
|---|---|
| IUCN Category III (Natural Monument) | |
| Location | Oaxaca, Mexico |
| Nearest city | Tlacolula de Matamoros |
| Area | 1,076 hectares (2,658.9 acres) |
| Established | May 24, 1999 |
| Governing body | Comision Nacional de Areas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP) |
Yagul (from Zapotec Ya-gule meaning dry tree or stick) is an archaeological site and former city-state associated with the Zapotec civilization of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica, located at in the present-day Oaxaca State of Mexico. The site is listed as one of the country's four Natural Monuments.
Despite the fact that the ruins we see today date to the zenith of Yagul (750-1500 CE), vestiges of human habitation in the area, namely cliff paintings at Caballito Blanco, date to at least 3000 BCE. After the abandonment of Monte Albán about 800 CE, the region's inhabitants established themselves in various small centers such as Lambityeco, Mitla and Yagul.
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[edit] Site description
The site is set around a hill, and can be divided into three principle areas.
[edit] Fort
Situated atop the next hill and protected by natural and artificial walls, it has an excellent vantage point over the whole Tlacolula Valley.
[edit] Common Living Area
Situated around the hill, this area is not well known to modern archeology.
[edit] Ceremonial Center
The ceremonial areas compose the vast majority of what has been excavated, and what can be seen today. Some of the structures in this area are:
- Ball Court - Considered one of the best preserved ball court in Oaxaca.
- Council Chamber - Likely the area where the leaders of Yagul met.
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