Monte Albán

Welcome to Mon-teh Al-bahn, the sacred mountain and ancient capital of the Zah-poh-tek civilization. As you arrive at the precipice of this vast archaeological site, positioned approximately fifteen hundred meters above sea…

We commence our detailed exploration in the center of the Main Plaza. The dimensions of this space are difficult to fully grasp until you walk across it; measuring approximately three hundred by one hundred and fifty meters, it…

Moving toward the eastern edge of the plaza, we encounter the primary Ballcourt of Mon-teh Al-bahn. The Mesoamerican ballgame was a pervasive cultural institution across ancient Mexico, played by the Maya, the Aztecs, and here,…

Positioned prominently within the center of the Main Plaza is Building J, undoubtedly one of the most enigmatic and architecturally anomalous structures at Mon-teh Al-bahn. Notice immediately how this building brazenly violates…

We now approach Building L, home to one of the most famous and widely misunderstood collections of monuments in Mesoamerica: The Gallery of the Danzantes, or the Dancers. Examine the large, flat stone slabs lining the base of the…

Let us proceed to the northern terminus of the plaza to explore the massive North Platform. Prepare yourself for a steep climb up the monumental grand staircase. …

Before we depart the site, we must discuss the profound funerary culture of Mon-teh Al-bahn by examining the elite residential and tomb complexes located just off the main plaza. The Zapotecs held a deeply ingrained belief in the…

As our extensive tour of Mon-teh Al-bahn concludes, take a final moment to stand near the edge of the mountain summit and look out over the sprawling modern city of Oaxaca in the valley below. The sun, which has beaten…