Monte Alban Oaxaca

This archeological site was the ancient Zapotec capital and one of the first cities in Mesoamerica. It was also one of the most populous cities in Mesoamerica during its peak (it had more than 25,000 inhabitants). It was founded around 500 B.C. and flourished up to around A.D. 750.

Located in the center of the Valleys of Oaxaca, Monte Albán exercised political, economic, and ideological control over the other communities of the surrounding valleys and mountains. The main attractions here are: The Great Plaza, The Ball Court, System II, The Danzantes, Building J, Central Buildings G, H, and I, The Palace, The South Platform, System 7 Deer, and Tomb 7. The Great Plaza is 200 meters long by 200 meters wide. To build the Great Plaza rocky bulges were trimmed off and depressions were filled in.

Monte Alban Oaxaca

The Mexican archaeologist Dr. Alfonso Caso was in charge of the first exploration and restoration of the site. Based on his architectural studies of the buildings, tombs, ceramics, and jewelry, he determined that Monte Albán's history was divided into five different periods based upon changes in social organization, population density, and trade: Mount Albán I, II, III, IV, and V.

Monte Alban Oaxaca

On the hillsides that surround the Main Plaza there are tombs, burials, and diverse structures identified as residences. There is a museum at the entrance to Monte Albán and just onsite there is a scale-model of Monte Albán where the visitor will be able to get a perspective of the places they will visit in the archaeological zone. Monte Albán is 10 kilometers from Oaxaca City.

Location map

Contact

Hours: Open 365 days a year from 8 am to 5 pm.

Admission: $80/person

Contact: Centro INAH Oaxaca. Pino Suarez 715. Centro, Oaxaca. (951)513-3346 , (951)513-3352