- Yagul
Infobox_protected_area
name = Yagul
iucn_category = III
nrhp_type = hd
caption =
locator_x =
locator_y =
location =Oaxaca ,Mexico
nearest_city =Tlacolula de Matamoros
lat_degrees =
lat_minutes =
lat_seconds =
lat_direction = N
long_degrees =
long_minutes =
long_seconds =
long_direction = W
area = convert|1076|ha|acre|1|lk=on
established =May 24 ,1999
visitation_num =
visitation_year =
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 theZapotec civilization ofpre-Columbian Mesoamerica , located in theMexican state ofOaxaca . 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.Location
The site is situated on a volcanic outcrop surrounded by fertile alluvial land. The Salado river flows to the south of the site. [Winter 1998, p.119.]
ite description
The site is set around a hill, and can be divided into three principle areas.
Fort
Situated atop the hill and protected by natural and artificial walls, it has an excellent vantage point over the whole Tlacolula Valley.
Common Living Area
Situated around the hill, this area is not well known to modern archeology.
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 courts in Oaxaca.
* Council Chamber - Likely the area where the leaders of Yagul met.
Notes
References
*Winter, Marcus (1998) "Oaxaca: The archaeological record", Minutiae Mexicana, Mexico. ISBN 968-7074-31-0.
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.
