What is the significance of Monte Albán?
Monte Alban emerged as the center of political authority in the Valley of Oaxaca around 400 B.C., because it commanded the best terrain in the valley for agriculture and dense settlement. The city developed as a ceremonial center over several hundred years, from 500 BC to 700 AD.
Why was Monte Albán abandoned?
Unguarded since its founding, Monte Alban was no longer an open city. After about 200 B.C., what had been flourishing agricultural development within a radius of ten miles of the city, collapsed. In the region as a whole many sites were abandoned as the people clustered together in the larger communities.
Who built Monte Albán?
The Zapotecs
Founding Monte Alban The Zapotecs built their new capital city in a strange place, probably partly as a defensive move resulting from unrest in the valley. The location in the valley of Oaxaca is on the top of a tall mountain far above and in the middle of three populous valley arms.
How would you describe Monte Albán?
An ancient Zapotec metropolis, Monte Albán was founded in the sixth century B.C. on a low mountainous range overlooking the city of Oaxaca and functioned as their capital 13 centuries between 500 B.C. and 800 A.D. Its impressive architectural remains—terraces, pyramids, and canals—extend over some four miles (6.5 …
Why is the Monte Alban situated on high ground?
The site is located on high ground, probably chosen for its defensibility. The great plaza atop the highest hill is flanked by four platforms; two temples stand on the platform to the south. Ruins at Monte Albán, Mex.
What does Monte Alban look like?
Shaped like an arrow pointing southwest, the Observatory features stone slabs identified as conquest stones embedded in its walls. They depict place names, sometimes accompanied by upside-down heads and more writing. These are the names and representations of places Monte Alban conquered during its heyday.
When did Monte Albán exist?
Monte Albán Occupied from the 8th century bc, it was a centre of the Zapotec culture from about the 1st century bc to the 8th century ad, after which it was occupied by the Mixtecs until the Spanish conquest in the 16th century.
Who conquered Monte Albán?
the Zapotec empire
The expansion of the Zapotec empire peaked during the Monte Alban 2 phase. The Zapotec conquered or colonized settlements far beyond The Valley of Oaxaca.
Where was Monte Albán built?
Oaxaca
Monte Albán, site of ruins of an ancient centre of Zapotec and Mixtec culture, located in what is now Oaxaca state, Mexico. The initial construction at the site has been placed at circa 8th century bce.
Is Monte Alban a Mayan or Aztec?
Monte Albán is the modern name for an archaeological site within the Mexican state of Oaxaca, on the Pacific coast of Mesoamerica. This site predates the Aztecs by a millennium, and was definitely not Maya.