Monte Alban

Perched proudly atop a hill outside the present day city of Oaxaca, the ruins at Monte Alban were once the capital of the Zapotec Civilization. Occupied since 500 B.C., the ancient and massive complex supported a population of more than 25,000 people at the hight of its power.

Today the site receives many visitors and is well worth the trip. Large, well preserved structures, grand open plazas, and a myriad of hieroglyphs lure the curious and adventuresome traveler.

Perhaps the most famous of Monte Alban's attractions are the Danzante Carvings. The Danzantes - or Dancers - were produced between 500 and 100 B.C. and are thought to depict the leaders of conquered neighboring peoples. They are intricately carved stone tablets, their subjects often shown in tortured poses. Some even represent blood flowing from captives who have had limbs or genitals cut off. Accompanying the Danzantes are the earliest known examples of true writing in Mexico.