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Mitla, Area of Archaeological Monuments

Property names are listed in the language in which they have been submitted by the State Party.

Mexico (Latin America and the Caribbean)

Date of Submission: 20/11/2001
Criteria: (i)(iii)(iv)(vi)
Category: Cultural
Submission prepared by:
INAH/CONALMEX Puebla 95, Colonia Roma 06700 Mexico E-mail: direccion.pmundial@inah.gob.mx
Coordinates:
16°55'30" N - 96°21'28" W
Ref.: 1589

Description

Mitla is the most representative Post-C@c (850-1521 A.D.) site in Oaxaca's Central Valleys. Delicate fretwork assemblages decorate its buildings, and it was the last city established in Oaxaca during Pre-Hispanic tiines.



There are five monumental architectural groups in Mitla: North Group, Group of Columns, Creek Group, Calvary Group and South Group. The first three groups are laid out in squares, and the decoration of their buildings is outstanding. Series of delicately carved and assembled fretwork create patterns framed by panels, decorating the @es with unique geometrical designs. Two magnificent stone tomb chambers with cross ground plans were found in the Group of Columns. Both the Calvary and South Groups were laid out following a somewhat earlier plan in which square courts with central shrines are surrounded by pyramid platforms.



Undoubtedly, Mitla is outstanding due to the ornamental features of its architecture. For example, varied and complicated designs included frets assembled with carved or sculptured mosaics decorated huge monolithic blocks used by ancient builders as linters. Walls were built with large, hewn stone blocks, and their revetment was laid without the use of mortar, just like the fretwork. This is evidence of the highly developed technique and aesthetic expression mastered by Mitla's ancient artists.



After the Conquest, Mitla's structures were deeply affected when Catholic churches were erected on top of the remains of ancient buildings. However, because of this, Mitla was never abandoned and therefore it did not go through the natural process of deposition that characterises most archaeological sites. Pre-Hispanic structures survived within the Colonial town plan, and these remains are still visible amidst an urban context spanning three historic periods: Pre-Hispanic, Colonial and modern.