Created 22-Aug-09
Modified 22-Aug-09
Monte Alban is built at the junction of three broad valleys. Across from the Atoyac stream, lays a series of large hills. The largest of these hills is nearly 400 meters above sea level. It was on the top of this mountain, which the Zapotecs leveled off and built into a great ceremonial city in about the year 500 ad. This center once ruled the entire region and collected tribute from the surrounding cities. The city is now known as Monte Alban. Monte Alban, or "White Mountains" in Spanish, was formerly called Danibaan (Sacred Mountain). No visit to Oaxaca can be considered complete without visiting Monte Alban.
Monte Alban was first occupied in about 500 B.C. and it was inhabited until about 850 A.D. when it bacame slowly abandoned. After it was abandoned it remained sacred to the Zapotecs and then later on to the Mixtecs who setttled in the area after the Zapotecs declined in power.
© Alice Coyl