Monte Albán — Building I

Building I is the southernmost structure in the central G-H-I complex of Monte Albán’s Main Plaza, a Classic period temple platform with ceremonial functions, contributing to the site’s architectural symmetry.

Building I, also known as Edificio I, is the southernmost of the three central structures (G, H, I) in Monte Albán’s Main Plaza, dating to the site’s Classic period around AD 200–900. As a temple platform within this Zapotec ceremonial center in Oaxaca, Mexico, it faces south and is part of the north-south spine that divides the plaza, potentially serving as an altar for rituals. Its significance lies in exemplifying the site’s organized layout, with references to adjacent Buildings H and G highlighting the interconnected central complex. [3] [4]

Location and layout

Building I is located in the center of Monte Albán’s Main Plaza, which measures approximately 300 m (984 ft) by 200 m (656 ft), forming the southern end of the G-H-I chain that visually divides the esplanade into eastern and western halves. It is connected to Building H to the north, creating a line of conjoined structures with Building I at the south. The layout is part of a cluster possibly considered a single structure, with Building I facing south. This positioning emphasizes its role in the site’s processional and ceremonial landscape. [3] [4]

Architecture and construction

Constructed during Monte Albán III (AD 200–900), Building I features a basamento with two bodies, typical of Zapotec architecture, likely supporting temple superstructures. It belongs to the Classic Period style, with the surviving building dating to about 500–750 CE, though begun earlier around 200–300 BCE. The structure is part of a conjoined group with G and H, potentially forming a unified complex. Architecture includes a tunnel connecting it to an adjacent palace, facilitating movement. Phased development aligns with the plaza’s evolution, using local stone and stucco, without major later alterations. [3] [5]

Sculpture and epigraphy

Building I lacks documented sculpture or epigraphy specific to it, though the central complex may include minor decorative elements shared with G and H. Any iconography would reflect Zapotec motifs of ritual and authority. [3] [6]

Archaeological research

Excavated by Alfonso Caso during the 1931–1953 Monte Albán Project using stratigraphic and ceramic analysis, Building I was studied as part of the central plaza’s division, dated to Monte Albán III. An offering box containing pottery was discovered during excavation, indicating ceremonial use. Recent geophysical surveys (2021) by Marc N. Levine et al. revealed buried structures beneath the plaza, providing context for the central line’s evolution. Scholars like Joyce Marcus note its role in sociopolitical transformation. Debates include whether G, H, I are separate or one structure, with consensus on ceremonial function. [3] [4] [7]

Visiting notes

Visitors can view Building I from the Main Plaza’s ground level, noting its southern orientation and symmetry with H and G, following a clockwise path for understanding the central division. [8]

Related MAHC WIKI entries

Main Plaza
Building G
Building H
North Platform

References

Marcus, Joyce, and Kent V. Flannery. (1996). Zapotec Civilization: How Urban Society Evolved in Mexico’s Oaxaca Valley. Thames & Hudson. Scholarly overview.
UNESCO World Heritage Centre. (1987). “Historic Centre of Oaxaca and Archaeological Site of Monte Albán.” https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/415/. Official listing.
Sullivan, Mary Ann. (n.d.). “Monte Albán: Buildings in the Center of the Grand Plaza.” Bluffton University. https://homepages.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/mexico/oaxaca/montealban/center.html. Description of central buildings.
On the Road in Mexico. “Monte Albán – Central Plaza Buildings.” https://www.ontheroadin.com/Mexico Archeology/Monte Alban – Central Plaza Buildings.htm. Detailed on G, H, I including Building I specifics.
Texas Tech University Libraries. “Arch Design Images · Building I.” https://exhibits.lib.ttu.edu/s/archlib/item/36612. Classification and date.
Department of the Arts of Africa, Oceania, and the Americas. (2001). “Monte Albán: Sacred Architecture.” The Metropolitan Museum of Art. https://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/alban/hd_alban.htm. General essay.
Levine, Marc N., et al. (2021). “Monte Albán’s Hidden Past.” Latin American Antiquity. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/latin-american-antiquity/article/monte-albans-hidden-past-buried-buildings-and-sociopolitical-transformation/BA2A7630ADF117443C01C801C99EAED6. Geophysical context.
Sailing Stone Travel. (2023). “Visiting Monte Albán.” https://sailingstonetravel.com/visiting-monte-alban/. Visitor notes.