Monte Albán: Zapotec Capital

Monte Albán is a pre-Columbian archaeological site in Oaxaca, Mexico. It sits on an artificially leveled ridge.

Founded around 500 BC, it served as the Zapotec center for nearly 1,000 years. Then people left.

We do not know its ancient name. The current name might come from a Spanish soldier. A lasting legacy for a Spanish soldier.

In 1931 Alfonso Caso started large-scale excavations. Over 18 years his team dug up hundreds of tombs.

The Main Plaza measures 300 by 150 meters. It was covered in white plaster.

They leveled a mountaintop to build it.

Carved stones called Danzantes show naked men in twisted poses. Over 300 have been recorded to date.

Building J has an unusual arrow-like shape. Its walls hold over 40 carved slabs.