Mitla: Town of the Souls

Mitla: Town of the Souls is a significant work by American anthropologist Elsie Clews Parsons, published in 1936. This book focuses on the archaeological site of Mitla, located in the Oaxaca state of southern Mexico.12

Mitla, meaning "Place of the Dead" in Nahuatl, was likely established as a sacred burial site by the Zapotecs before the Common Era. Later, between 900 and 1500 CE, the Mixtecs occupied the site, and their influence is prominent in the existing ruins. The archaeological zone comprises five main groups of structures, characterized by rectangular patios, long rooms, and intricate stone mosaics. The Zapotec people, who historically inhabited the Oaxaca region, are known for their distinct culture and language, with a society traditionally centered around villages and agriculture. Parsons' work contributes to the understanding of these ancient cultures and their enduring legacy.231