Lambityeco, Archaeological site near Tlacolula de Matamoros, Mexico
Lambityeco is an archaeological site near Tlacolula de Matamoros featuring numerous excavated structures spread across a large area. The buildings reveal residential quarters and religious spaces that demonstrate the layout of this ancient settlement.
The settlement emerged during the Classical Period and developed into a major hub for salt production and trade. This economic activity made it a crucial supply point for larger empires that controlled the surrounding region.
The temples display stone masks depicting the Zapotec rain deity, reflecting the religious beliefs that shaped daily spiritual life in this settlement. These representations reveal how water and agriculture were central to the community's spiritual world.
The site is inland and reachable from Oaxaca by bus or car, though the journey takes several hours. It is helpful to wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as walking around involves uneven ground and exposure to sun.
Some of the earliest written records in Mesoamerica were carved here on stone, documenting how the site was administratively organized. These texts reveal how authority and responsibilities were distributed among the community's leaders.
GPS coordinates: 16.97167,-96.49194
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:42
Oaxaca brings together pre-Columbian temple complexes, colonial monasteries, and villages where traditional crafts are still made today. At Monte Alban and Mitla, structures stand that were built centuries before Spanish arrival. The region extends from mountain landscapes in the north to coastal areas with lagoons and beaches in the south. Natural variety ranges from waterfalls like La Reforma to the petrified springs of Hierve el Agua. In villages such as Teotitlán del Valle, families weave rugs using techniques passed down through generations. San Martín Tilcajete is known for its wood carvings. Along the coast, places like Mazunte and Puerto Escondido provide access to the Pacific. Colonial churches such as Santo Domingo Yanhuitlán and the chapel at Ocotlán display architecture from the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.
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