PXL_20250424_224003339

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 07:49:22 +0100

THE REGION OF OAXACA

In ancient times, Oaxaca was the
land of the "Cloud People", who left
a legacy of rich archaeological
treasures and an important cultural
tradition. Huaxyacac was founded in
1486 by Moctezuma II as a military
garrison. The first inhabitants of this
area arrived at around 10 000 BC, and
their presence is evidenced by
numerous campsites along the central
Oaxaca valleys and in the Upper
Mixtec region. Agriculture was initiated
in this area at around 7 000 BC and
by 1500 BC sedentary communities,
were established, along with
Oaxaca's first hub of political power,
San Jose Mogote. Although ancient
Oaxaca evidenced significant ethnic
diversity, the culturally dominant
groups in the area were the Zapotecs
and Mixtecs. The first setters among
these groups arrived to the central
Oaxaca valleys and the Isthmus of
Tehuantepec between 1500 BC and
1521 AC. These settlers were
responsible for constructing the most
important prehispanic city in Oaxaca:
Monte Alban. Established as a
cultural authority since its founding,
this Zapotec capital houses one of the
most beautiful prehispanic plazas.