Dainzú

Imposing plazas, temples, and engravings full of mystery, while the echo of a visionary people that shaped history whispers

 

Its name comes from the Zapotec words "danni" which means mount or hill, and "zu" cactus, so Dainzú means "Cactus Hill". This area was explored in 1965 by Dr. Ignacio Bernal, who found evidence of occupation from 750 BC. to 1,000 A.D., the most interesting is the gallery of stone bas-reliefs, which represents ball players in violent activities, with pre-Hispanic attire; as well as the presentation of the four probable Gods of Fire. The site is a place of artificial terraces, planted from the lower part of the valley and on the western portion of the hill to which it owes its name. The construction complex is made up of three buildings connected by stairs, terraces, patios and rooms. The organization and architectural features of the buildings define it as the administrative center of civil control of the ancient pre-Hispanic town, whose vestiges extend to the current town of Macuilxóchitl. The names that has been given to these spaces are: Building A, Building G, and Ball Game. Building A. It is made up of a pyramidal base with four bodies, with rounded corners and a central staircase. At the top there are a series of walls belonging to residential spaces, and within these, two other staircases that originally served as access.

On the south side of the lower body is the most important part of the area. It is a series of stone bas-reliefs, representing ball players; they wear gloves, feline masks, and hold a small ball in their hands.

Among these are the four probable deities of the ball game, whose workmanship can be described as splendid. At the top of the hill there are other heads or masks of the players, engraved in the rocks. Building G. It is a large platform with stairs, patios and rooms, delimited by stone walls. In this space stands out a stele that represents a character, and a tomb, whose lintel and jambs represent, in bas-reliefs, the figure of a jaguar. Ball game. It is classified as a ball court with a double T-shaped court, partially rebuilt. It has two side platforms with a sloping wall towards the playing field. Chronologically it is located around the year 1000 AD. C. Obviously, due to the period it belongs to, it has no relation to the players in the main building.

 

 

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