Great Historic Sites: Monte Albán

Monte Albán is a significant archaeological site located in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, near the city of Oaxaca de Juárez. It was one of the earliest cities in Mesoamerica and served as the capital of the Zapotec civilization for over a thousand years.

Founded around 500 BC, Monte Albán was an important political, economic, and religious center for the Zapotecs. The city reached its peak between 300 BC and 600 AD.

The site is known for its impressive architecture, including plazas, temples, and more than 170 tombs. The layout features a series of terraces and platforms built on a mountain ridge, providing stunning views of the surrounding valley.

Monte Albán has several ball courts, which were used for the Mesoamerican ballgame, a ceremonial and competitive sport that held significant cultural importance.

The site features numerous stelae (upright stone slabs) with intricate carvings and inscriptions, which provide insight into the social and political history of the Zapotec civilization.

Excavations at Monte Albán have revealed elaborate tombs containing offerings, ceramics, and other artifacts, indicating the site’s importance as a burial ground for elite members of the society.

Monte Albán is considered a precursor to later Mesoamerican civilizations and has influenced subsequent cultures in the region, including the Mixtecs and Aztecs.

In 1987, Monte Albán was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its cultural significance and well-preserved ruins.

Destination: Mexico