Monte Albán

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Aerial view of Monte Albán

Monte Albán is a large pre-Columbian center and archaeological site in the Oaxacan sub-region of Mesoamerica, whose major developments are attributed to the Zapotec civilization with a later occupational phase by the Mixtec. The site is located in southern Mexico's Valley of Oaxaca, in the present-day state of Oaxaca, at an elevation of 1941 m (6368 ft) above mean sea level.

The pre-Columbian city is situated atop an artificially-leveled mountain, which rises some 400 m (1312 ft) above the valley floor containing the modern Oaxaca City which lies approximately 9 km (5.6 mi) to the east.

Monte Albán formed the nucleus of a major regional polity, which rose shortly after the site's earliest known occupation (ca. 6th century BCE) to extend a dominating influence over the Valley of Oaxaca and beyond, across much of the Oaxacan highlands. Monte Albán's influence as a leading regional power was maintained through much of the site's approximately 2,000-year history of near-continual occupation, peaking in the late-Formative to Early Classic periods (ca. 100 BCE – 650 CE). By the Late Classic the site's influence declined as rival Oaxacan centers were re-established, and the Terminal Classic (c. 900 CE) led to the abandonment of the site proper.^[1] During the Late Postclassic Monte Albán retained some significance as a ceremonial center, and was reused as a burial site by the Mixtec.

The name "Monte Albán" means "White Mountain" in Spanish; its name in the Zapotec language was Danipaguache, meaning "Sacred Mountain of Life". The Aztecs knew it as Ocelotepec, or "Jaguar Mountain".

1 History
2 Monuments
3 See also
4 Notes
5 References
6 External links

[edit] History

Panorama of Monte Alban from the South Platform.

Site plan for Monte Albán.

Monte Albán was built over a period of over 2,000 years, starting about 900 BCE, by the Zapotecs. The early art shows Olmec influence. The most impressive building period was during the Mesoamerican Classic era, from about 550 CE to 1000 CE. About 1300 CE, the Zapotec were driven out of the site and surrounding area by the Mixtec people. The Mixtec made further additions to Monte Albán until they in turn were conquered by the Spanish conquistadores in 1521, at which time Monte Albán was abandoned.

Guillermo Dupaix investigated the site in the early 19th century. J. M. García published an account of the site in 1859. A. F. Bandelier visited and published further descriptions in the 1890s. The first large-scale archaeological project of the site was done in 1902 by Leopoldo Batres. Eighteen years of more extensive excavations began in 1931 under Alfonso Caso. Despite such detailed work, much of the large site, over 80%, has never been excavated. In 1932 Alfonso Caso discovered Tomb Nr. 7 at Monte Albán, one of the few tombs that had not been plundered. The sensational finding contained more than 120 burial objects of gold produced in appr. 1350 CE by the Mixtecs, who were famous for their craftmanship at this time.

[edit] Monuments

Monte Albán has many step-pyramids, temples, elite tombs, and a court for playing the Mesoamerican ballgame. There are also free-standing sculptured stelae, and large bas-relief carved panels in some of the buildings.

The site is built around the Gran Plaza, approximately 300 meters by 200 meters, which is ringed by the ruins of step pyramids and mounds. Three pyramids occupy the center of the plaza, along with the enigmatic Building J.

Building J has invited much speculation due to its unusual shape and orientation. Alfonso Caso suggested it was an astrological observatory, and several researchers have found various astronomical alignments. The building, however, also features large carved slabs depicting upside-down heads, which Caso called "conquest slabs" depicting vanquished enemies.

The oldest carved stones at the site are the so-called "Danzantes" (literally, dancers), featuring drawings of naked men in contorted and twisted poses. The notion that they depict dancers is now largely discredited, and the present consensus is that these "dancers" represent tortured, sacrificed war prisoners. Some of the original stones can be viewed in the museum at the site.

The site is a popular tourist destination for visitors to Oaxaca and has a small museum. Trails at the site are also used by joggers, hikers, and birders.

View across Gran Plaza from the South Platform, with Building J in the foreground.

Ballgame court.

Building M as seen from the South Platform.

View of Gran Plaza from the North Platform. The South Platform can be seen in the distance.

Altar for human sacrifice	Unrestored section of Monte Albán with Oaxaca City in the background	View of Gran Plaza from the South Platform, with Building J in the foreground.	Mask from Monte Albán Treasure Room (at museum in Oaxaca)

[edit] See also

San Jose Mogote, an earlier site in the same Oaxaca valley system

[edit] Notes

^ Blanton, et. al. (1999)

[edit] References

Blanton, Richard E., Gary M. Feinman, et. al. (1999). Ancient Oaxaca. London: Cambridge University Press. ISBN 0-521-57787-X.
Coe, Michael D., Dean Snow and Elizabeth Benson (1986). Atlas of Ancient America. New York: Facts on File. ISBN 0816011990.