Beginnings | Monte Alban 500 BCE
For over two millennia, the Valley of Oaxaca was and continues to be the home to the Zapotecs, a remarkable civilization known as "Be'ena'a" ("The Cloud People"), which flourished in the valleys of Oaxaca from around 500 BCE to 900 CE. Renowned for its remarkable city-state, Monte Albán. Standing as a testament to Zapotec ingenuity, the city's evolution is captured in three distinct phases, each reflecting the society's growth, prosperity, and complexity.
- Phase I (400 BC – 100 BC)
- Phase II (100 BC – 200 CE)
- Phase III (200 CE – 900 CE)
The Zapotecs were not just skilled builders; they were also intellectual innovators. They developed a complex writing system, Zapotec script, used to record history, mythology, and astronomical observations. Their sophisticated calendar system, based on a 365-day year with adjustments for solar cycles, noted accurate agricultural practices and religious rituals. Beyond intellectual pursuits, the Zapotecs excelled in artistry. Their skill in metalworking, weaving, pottery, and gold jewelry.
Transition to Mitla
By 800 CE, Monte Albán began to decline. While the reasons for this shift remain under debate, environmental factors and political instability could have played a role. However, the Zapotec story didn't end there. Around 900 CE, Mitla emerged as a new center of Zapotec culture, showcasing a unique architectural style with intricate geometric fretwork.
Shrouded in a veil of mystery, Mitla rose around 900 CE as a successor to the once-grand Monte Albán. Unlike its predecessor Mitla sprawled across the valley floor, its purpose and layout sparking questions among archaeologists. What prompted this shift in urban planning? The most striking aspect of Mitla, however, is its architectural style. A stark contrast to Monte Albán's monumental stonework, Mitla's buildings are adorned with intricate geometric fretwork. Imagine friezes meticulously crafted from thousands of precisely cut stone pieces, interlocking in mesmerizing patterns that seem to stretch endlessly across the walls. Stylized human figures occasionally emerge from this geometric abstraction, adding an mysterious touch. The meaning and symbolism behind these designs remain a puzzle, a testament to the enduring allure of Mitla. This city, bathed in the golden hues of the Oaxacan sunset, continues to hold archaeologists and visitors awestruck with its beauty and mystifying spirit.