The site known as the Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla, covers an area of approximately 2,000 hectares and is located in the Valley of Tlacolula, state of Oaxaca.

Within this area are located the pre-Hispanic archaeological zones of Yagul and Mitla, corresponding to the Zapotec culture, with buildings such as the ball court in Yagul and an important ceremonial center in Mitla.

Very close to the archaeological zone of Yagul, a group of caves and rock shelters has been studied, inside which spear points and various types of projectiles made of stone have been found, as well as cave paintings, very ancient strokes that represent human figures, animals and a system of stars that contribute to giving testimony of the life and knowledge of the first inhabitants of the Valley of Oaxaca.

In the Guilá Naquitz Cave, pumpkin seeds dating back 10,000 years have been found, as well as fragments of corn ears possibly dating from 6,000 to 4,500 BC. These natural testimonies likely represent the first expression of the beginning of plant domestication in Mesoamerica and therefore the first antecedent of agriculture in the history of our country.

The Valley of Tlacolula contains within itself great testimonies of the history of our culture throughout millennia, showing us the greatness of the Zapotec culture and its importance worldwide.

The site called the Prehistoric Caves of Yagul and Mitla was declared a "Cultural Heritage of Humanity" by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in 2010, in the category of Cultural Landscape.

Text: Daniela López Espino ( https://www.facebook.com/daniela.lopezespino )