Ancient canals Hierve el Agua

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the area of archeological interest because of extensive system of irrigation , terraces built zapotecs many 2,500 years ago. sacred site ancient peoples of oaxaca valley. canals part of irrigation system created more 2,500 years ago, of extend amphitheatre side. researchers have studied terraces , canals have been cut sides of mountains these cliffs on , have concluded there irrigation system, unique in mexico. vestiges of these irrigation canals remain; however, archeological area has not been explored. these irrigation canals considered unique in mesoamerica, not because irrigation not common in pre-hispanic mexico because example of lined irrigation canals. not known why canal lining not appear outside of hierve el agua area, , here lining develops naturally. while seepage , bank erosion indeed problems irrigation farming in other parts of mesoamerica, nearest example of similar hohokam of southern arizona in 650 c.e.