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The city was once one of the largest in the Americas
and continues to inspire visitors today.
Monte Albán was inhabited for more than 1,300
years (500BC-850AD). For the legacy of cultural achievements, UNESCO
declared this a World
Heritage Site.
HISTORY
Olmec
influence reached the Central
Valleys around 1200 BC.
The Zapotecs arrived in the Central
Valleys around 800 BC. Around 500 BC they began to level the
top of a mountain to construct pyramids, terraces, dams and canals.
That the city was literally carved out of the mountain underscores
its sacred topography.
The original Zapotec name of the site was Dani Biaa ('sacred mountain').
Zapotec culture blossomed during the Classic Period (300-750 AD),
in which Monte Albán established relations with other powerful
cities, namely Teotihuacán
(north of present day Mexico
City) and Tikal in Guatemala.
The population peaked in the period between 450-700 AD in which
the city supported more than 25,000 people.
At the end of this period, the city began to decline until it was
appropriated by the Mixtecs at the beginning of the 13th century.
The Mixtecs constructed a few buildings and are best known for the
ceremonial offerings left in Tomb #7.
Spanish colonists later christened the site Monte Albán.
THE NATURAL WORLD
Monte Albán is situated 300 meters above the valley floor
and commands a spectacular view, particularly from the ridge on
the northern end of the site. Naturalists have always found this
sanctuary one of the best places for birding in the country. Lizards
are plentiful.
ARCHAEOLOGY
The site is aligned on a north-south access. The entrance lies
on the north-eastern side. We won't go into many details in this
brief overview, but two structures are similar to other sites in
the region and merit special attention.
BALL COURT
- The I-shaped ball court is located near the entrance. The 'juego
de pelota' or Mesoamerican
Ballgame played an important role in society. Other ball courts
can be seen at nearby Yagul
and Dainzu. A smaller, unrestored court is located across the parking
lot to the west of the main site.
BUILDING OF THE DANCERS
- Once thoughts to represent dancers ('danzantes'), the carvings
are said to display prisoners captured in battle, mutilated and
later killed. Forerunners of these figures are also found at San
Jose Mogote.
VENDERS
There are nearly 50 venders with permission to sell stone replicas
to visitors. They hike up the hill each day from the small town
of San
Antonio Arrazola.
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