Oaxaca| The
state of Oaxaca is located in the southeast part of Mexico. It is
bordered to the north by Puebla and Veracruz, to the east by Chiapas
and to the west by Guerrero. The name of the state, comes from the
náhuatl "Huaxyacac" that means "In the Nose
of the Guajes." Oaxaca's surface covers 95,364 kilometers and
is considered the fifth largest state of the country in term of
size, and has nearly 3.3 million inhabitants. |
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Oaxaca
is one of the most diverse states of Mexico. It has a wide variety
of landscapes - beautiful beaches, forest, high summits and extensive
valleys - as well as an impressive cultural mixture. More than fourteen
different ethnic groups and cultures, including Zapotecs and Mixtecs,
compose Oaxaca's cultural diversity. Oaxaca's customs and Pre-Columbian
past have passed on from generation to generation and you can find
them manifested in the culture and gastronomy of the state. In Oaxaca
you can enjoy delicious dishes such as the "Seven Moles,"
the "Quesillo," the "Chocolate-Atole," the "Café
de Olla," among many other dishes. |
| During
the colonial time, Oaxaca occupied an important place inside the
organization of the "New Spain" thanks to its trade and
to different religious associations that settled down in this part
of Mexico. As an example, the "Dominicos" built imposing
temples in this area like the "Temple of Santo Domingo"
in order to christen the native people of Oaxaca. |
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Today
Oaxaca offers tourist and cultural attractions besides it's worldwide
famous hand-made crafts, gastronomy, and regional parties.
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Monte
Alban |
The
archaeological site of Monte Alban is located in the northeast part
of the Valley of Oaxaca and is cradled by the hills Monte Alban,
The Rooster and Atzompa. Tha Zapotecs built Monte Alban as the capital
city of their empire. According to the National Institute of Anthropology
and History, "it was the most important Pre-Columbian city
in the Southeast of Mexico, since it lead the political, social
and economic life of the region of Oaxaca through a complicated
tributary system based on a religious domain and a powerful army." |
| Monte
Alban was founded around the year 700 B.C. and quickly became an
important religious and cultural center. As an example, inside the
"Monument of the Dancers" was found one of the first writing
samples of the region. Some archeologists suggest that by the year
200 B.C. this city had a population of about 30,000. |
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It
is believed that the biggest development in the city took place
between the years 250 and 750 A.D. once the city was finished and,
with the collapse of Teotihuacan, the Zapotec government system
was strengthened. Around the year 750 A.D. the population started
to abandon the city because of the ecological depletion caused in
the area, and the high taxes that the Zapotec government requested. |
| The
decline of the Zapotec culture was followed by the appearance of
the Mixtec Culture. This culture also considered Monte Alban a sacred
city. They used Monte Alban as a religious city and this is shown
in the "Tomb 7" discovered by Mr. Alfonso Caso on January
9, 1932. In this tomb, Mr. Caso found offerings to the Mixtecs'
gods and priests, and today these are considered the "Treasure
of Monte Alban." The archaeological studies of the area divide
the history of Monte Alban in five phases: I. Foundation 500-200 B.C. II. Period Pre-classic 100 B.C. -100 A.D. III. Classic period 200-800 A.D. IV. Period Post-classic 900-1200 A.D. V. Period of decline 1300-1600 A.D. |
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Since 1987 UNESCO has considered the archaeological site of Monte Alban
"Patrimony of the Humanity." Also, in 1993, the President of
Mexico declared it as an "Archaeological Monument", for what
receives recognition and protection at both, national and international
levels.
If you would like to live the magic of Oaxaca, Oro de Monte Alban recommends the following travel agents:
If you would like to live the magic of Oaxaca, Oro de Monte Alban recommends the following travel agents:
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