Definition: Monte Albán was the capital city of the Zapotec civilization of central Mexico, located on the top of a defensible hub near the center of the three legs of the Oaxaca Valley. The city was founded about 500 BC, and it was continuously occupied until at least 700 AD.
At first only one of several large cities in the Zapotec culture, Monte Albán grew rapidly, with a large ceremonial center which included an astronomical observatory and a series of stelas celebrating the capture of captives. During the classic period (200-500 AD), it held almost 25,000 people.
More detailed information can be found in the article Monte Albán and the Zapotec Civilization.
At first only one of several large cities in the Zapotec culture, Monte Albán grew rapidly, with a large ceremonial center which included an astronomical observatory and a series of stelas celebrating the capture of captives. During the classic period (200-500 AD), it held almost 25,000 people.
More detailed information can be found in the article Monte Albán and the Zapotec Civilization.
Research at Monte Albán
Excavators at the site have included the most important Mexican archaeologists of the 20th century, Jorge Acosta and Ignacio Bernal. Archaeological surveys of the Oaxaca Valley led by Gary Feinman have added much to our understanding of the role of Monte Albán in the Zapotec society and its neighbors.Sources
Feinman, Gary 2007 The last quarter century of archaeological research in the central valleys of Oaxaca. Mexicon 29(2):3-15.
A brief bibliography on Monte Albán has been collected for this project.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
Pronunciation: MAHN-tay Ahl-BAHN
