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Zapotec Monte Albán

Type Event Region Mexico Time -500–-200

Monte Albán was the capital-level city of Zapotec civilization in the Valley of Oaxaca, developing around 500–200 BCE, famed for stepped pyramids, ba…

Timeline

  1. -500–-400Valley of Oaxaca · OaxacaThe Zapotecs integrated scattered settlements in the Valley of Oaxaca and began building early ceremonial and administrative centers on ridge platforms, laying the groundwork for Monte Albán's urbanization.
  2. -400–-300Monte Albán · OaxacaThe city was systematically planned on the great plateau, with a main plaza, pyramids, and astronomically aligned structures; the Zapotec elite displayed political authority through ceremony and architecture.
  3. -300–-200Monte Albán · OaxacaFamous stone carvings such as the 'Dancers' stela record conquests and tribute from surrounding communities, showing that Monte Albán established a military-political dominance network across Oaxaca and neighboring regions.

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