Area K: Oaxaca

Some kilimetres west of Mitla along the main Oaxaca-Mitla road, we find another road sign-posted to the ruins which lie about three kilometres up a gradual incline.

History

Culture: Zapotec

Much of the growth of Yagul took place under the shadow of Monte Albán, the local super-state. A smaller community nearer the foot of the hill moved upwards at around the turn of the Late Classic and settled at this higher altitude. The reason cited is that of the abandonment of the valley city Yagüih. (This city has not been excavated except for one section now known as Lambityeco).

With the steady decline of Monte Albán into the second millennium AD, Yagul gradually assumed more importance until it vied with Mitla as regional power into the Late Post-Classic era. It was during this time that the Palace of the Six Patios, most of the tombs, and the Mitla-style construction were put into place.

Yagul was not abandoned until the Spanish decided to forcibly move the population down the hill to the modern town of Tlacolula.

For more about other Cities of the Zapotecs, see Cultural History.

Tour  (Scroll down to follow complete tour, or click on feature below and use your BACK key to return to the map)

The ruins of Yagul are located at the end of the road just described. They are spread over a compact area that does not take too long to explore.

After passing through the site entrance we come into the central area of Yagul, a rectangular street-like space that separates the city into two halves.

Just to our left we will see the most famous feature of Yagul: its Ball Court. It is the actually the second largest such court in the whole of Mexico, superceded only by the giant one at Chichén Itzá. It is reckoned that it was constructed during the early phase of the city's history, but it has been well restored in modern times.

Behind the Ball Court is the least well restored area of Yagul. Three large but rubble covered mounds surround Patio 4, an open square with a flat altar platform. There are some tomb entrances scattered around - the largest descends into a triple-chamber tomb with interesting friezes. You may have to ask to have it opened up.

Crossing back past the Ball Court, we come to a long building called the Council Hall at the end of the street-like corridor we saw before. It has one colonnaded entrance and it walls are ruined. It has been ascertained that this construction was non-residential and probably served administrative functions. It is also believed to have inspired the building of the Palace of the Columns at Mitla.

Adjacent to the Council Hall is the Palace of the Six Patios, the largest and most complex single structure at Yagul. It is built upon a raised platform above the rest of the city and consists of several inter-connecting passage-ways and courtyards. The largest of the six patios, Patio F, is at the southeast corner of the complex, and the rooms surround it share similarities with the Church Group at Mitla. The whole palace was probably residential and ceremonial in function.

Palace of the Six Patios

Just to the north of the Palace we find a separate mound known as Building J that possesses crumbling stairs and the highest point of the city.

From here, a climb of fifteen minutes or so to the top of the ridge behind, will bring us to another tomb. It is gated but we can see the decorated lintel and entrance stone. We also can obtain the best view over Yagul and the wide valley beyond.

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