What is the significance of Monte Alban?
Monte Alban emerged as the center of political authority in the Valley of Oaxaca around 400 B.C., because it commanded the best terrain in the valley for agriculture and dense settlement. The city developed as a ceremonial center over several hundred years, from 500 BC to 700 AD.
Why was Monte Alban abandoned?
The reason for this is because the Monte Alban pyramid complex was completely abandoned by the year 1000 AD due to socio-economic problems. In fact, wealth disparity and the over exploitation of natural resources were the two primary causes of the decline of all of the ancient civilizations of the Americas.
What do Danzantes represent?
The Danzantes figures are considered by several researchers to represent sacrificed individuals, probably captives of war (refer to discussion in Orr 1997). This type of carving dates to the Late Formative period and seems to appear with the foundation of Monte Albán.
What happened Monte Alban?
Unguarded since its founding, Monte Alban was no longer an open city. After about 200 B.C., what had been flourishing agricultural development within a radius of ten miles of the city, collapsed. In the region as a whole many sites were abandoned as the people clustered together in the larger communities.
What is Monte Alban What can you see in Monte Alban?
Other attractions at Monte Alban include the Juego de Pelota (Ball Court), which is slightly different to the ball courts at other sites in the area; El Palacio (The Palace) with its patio at the top and the Plataforma Sur (South Platform) which features an attractive staircase and surrenders an excellent panoramic …
What does Monte Alban mean in English?
noun. a major ceremonial center of the Zapotec culture, near the city of Oaxaca, Mexico, occupied from 600 b.c. to a.d. 700.
What does Monte Albán mean in English?
Why is Monte Albán so well preserved?
The centre of the city remains the centre of economic, political, social, religious and cultural activities that give dynamism to the city. It retains its iconic architecture and the buildings representative of a cultural tradition of more than four centuries of art and history.
What was the significance of the sculptures found at Monte Alban’s Temple of the dancers Danzantes?
One of the earliest architectural monuments at Monte Alban is the Danzantes Wall with carved stones that portray founding participants, including many chiefs from valley communities, as interpreted, imagined and remembered by the city’s leader or leaders, years after the event.
When did the Zapotec civilization begin?
6th century BC
Zapotec civilization originated in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca in the late 6th century BC.
Why is the Monte Albán situated on high ground?
The site is located on high ground, probably chosen for its defensibility. The great plaza atop the highest hill is flanked by four platforms; two temples stand on the platform to the south. Ruins at Monte Albán, Mex.
What can you do at Monte Alban?
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN MONTE ALBAN RUINS
- Gran Plaza. The main plaza is, well, simply great.
- Los Danzantes.
- Ballcourt.
- El Palacio.
- Observatory.
- North Plaza & South Plaza.