Zaachila, Archaeological site in Oaxaca Valley, Mexico
Zaachila is an archaeological site in the Oaxaca Valley with royal tombs built from stone and adobe. The tombs feature relief carvings of death symbols and mythological figures, and they held painted pottery and other objects from centuries ago.
The settlement grew into an important city between 1200 and 1521 under Zapotec rule. King Cosijoeza expanded the territory and its influence over neighboring areas during his time in power.
The site shows how the Zapotec and Mixtec peoples honored their dead and which gods mattered to them. You can see this in the carved figures on the tombs and in the painted vessels found there.
The site sits south of Oaxaca City and is easy to reach by the main highway. Guided tours and exhibition areas let you learn more about the objects that were discovered there.
The royal tombs held gold objects, precious stones, and jewelry that show how valued these people were. Such treasures rarely survive, and they give a rare glimpse into the wealth of this ancient society.
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