The Frequently Asked questions about Monte Albán

Monte Albán is a large pre-Columbian archaeological site located in the Oaxaca Valley of southern Mexico. It was the capital of the Zapotec civilization for over 1,000 years. Built on a mountaintop, it features monumental pyramids, temples, and a grand plaza. It is considered one of the most important archaeological zones in Latin America and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Monte Albán was founded and built by the Zapotec people, likely around the 6th century BC. During its long history, the site was occupied by a succession of cultures – evidence shows early influence from the Olmecs, and after the Zapotec heyday the Mixtecs reoccupied parts of Monte Albán in later periods. The Zapotecs, however, were the primary builders of Monte Albán and made it their political and ceremonial capital for over a millennium. A small Spanish settlement even sprang up on a nearby hill in the 1520s after the Indigenous city had faded, but the Zapotec-built ruins are what remain important today.

Monte Albán is about 2,500 years old. It was founded around 500 BC and remained inhabited until approximately 850–900 AD. Later, some areas were reused by the Mixtecs primarily for burials.

The mountaintop location provided defensive advantages, spiritual symbolism, and sweeping views of the surrounding valleys. It was a strategic and sacred choice, both militarily and religiously.

“Monte Albán” means “White Mountain” in Spanish. The original Zapotec name is unknown. The name may refer to white-flowering trees on the mountain or possibly to a Spanish settler. Indigenous names like Danibaan, Sacred mountain, have been proposed, but there’s no consensus.

At its peak, Monte Albán had an estimated population of 25,000–35,000 people and covered about 6.5 square kilometers. It was one of the largest cities in Mesoamerica at the time.

Monte Albán is famous for its grand central plaza, large pyramids, ball court, carved stone monuments like “Los Danzantes,” tombs (especially Tomb 7), observatory-like Building J, and some of the earliest Mesoamerican hieroglyphic writing.

“Los Danzantes” are carved stone figures once thought to be dancers but are now believed to represent tortured or sacrificed captives. These early bas-reliefs are important for understanding Zapotec warfare and early writing.

No. Monte Albán was built by the Zapotecs and later partially used by the Mixtecs. It predates the Aztecs and is geographically and culturally separate from the Maya.

Only about 10% of Monte Albán has been excavated. Most of the visible structures are part of the ceremonial center. Vast residential and agricultural areas remain buried and unexplored.

The site was scientifically excavated beginning in 1931 by Mexican archaeologist Alfonso Caso. He mapped the site, uncovered major buildings, and discovered Tomb 7, which contained one of the richest Mixtec burials ever found.

Tomb 7 yielded gold, jade, turquoise, and intricate Mixtec jewelry. Other artifacts include ceramics, carved stelae, incense burners, figurines, and early examples of Zapotec writing. Many are displayed in the on-site museum and in Oaxaca City.