Monte Albán

Monte Albán rises above Oaxaca’s central valley on an artificially levelled ridge, about 1,940 metres above sea level. The ridge stands roughly 400 metres above the valley floor. From here, the ancient city occupies a meeting point between several valley branches, with terraces and mounded structures spreading across nearby slopes. Atzompa and El Gallo also preserve ruins associated with this settlement.

Founded around 500 BCE, Monte Albán became a major Zapotec political and economic centre. By about 100 BCE to 200 CE, the city controlled much of Oaxaca’s highlands and maintained connections with Teotihuacán. Its monumental core centres on a Main Plaza measuring approximately 300 by 150 metres. White plaster once covered the plaza, where platforms, temples, residences, and state ceremonies gathered around a broad open space.

More than 300 carved Danzantes stones stand near Building L, showing twisted human figures linked to captured enemies. Building J has an arrow-like shape and over 40 carved slabs set into its walls. Two ballcourts, tombs, Zapotec writing, and calendar signs add further traces of civic and ritual life. Large-scale excavation began in 1931, after centuries of visits and smaller investigations.