Cultural
Grottes préhistoriques de Yagul et Mitla au centre de la vallée de Oaxaca
Mexique
Photo : Jlrsousa (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Located in the central valley of Oaxaca in Mexico, this cultural site comprises two significant archaeological complexes that document pre-Hispanic settlement and urban development. The site includes prehistoric caves and the monumental architecture of Yagul and Mitla, representing important centers of Zapotec civilization. The structures at Mitla are characterized by distinctive geometric mosaics and intricate stone patterns that reflect advanced architectural knowledge, while Yagul presents evidence of earlier occupation and settlement patterns. The combination of cave sites and constructed edifices provides insight into the evolution of human habitation and social organization in the region over an extended period. The geographical setting within the Oaxaca valley connects these sites to broader patterns of pre-Columbian Mesoamerican culture and demonstrates the strategic importance of the location for successive civilizations.
