This is the model of Monte Alban, a Zapotec religious and administrative center from around 800 BCE through 300 CE. As the Zapotec people began to wane, the Mixtec arrived; the Mixtec were, in turn, overrun by the Mexica/Aztec. The model is viewed here from the south to the north. I've tried to put those directions in the notes. It's best to visit for yourselves - pre-Columbian ruins are fascinating! We arrived at about 8.45 AM, and the sun was already blazing hot.
Sun hat and sting ray shirt, check!
Sun hat, check, but no sting ray shirt. Alas.
The famous I-shaped ball court. There were apparently five at Monte Alban, and the note said that, far from being a purely ceremonial exercise, the Zapotec used the ball game to settle all sorts of disputes.
Looking down from the southern pyramids at the "M system," the southwestern corner of the complex. There were only 42 steps to the top of the southern pyramid, but they were Ian-scale steps and steep to boot.
A tourbus group on the top of the northern pyramid complex like crows on a ridgepole!
Looking north towards the pyramids the below photos were taken from. The northern end was likely the ceremonial end for the absolute elite. The southern end is much less established and much more damaged. The building with the slanted side in the foreground is related to the astronomy that governed the calendar of the Zapotec. It related to other points in the complex that helped residents track seasons and events.
From the big pyramid looking south towards the other end of Monte Alban.
Looking south from behind the sunken plaza. This photo is from a higher platform than the previous one.
Cool carving of what is probably a jaguar with its head unfortunately chipped away.
The perfect photo of Mexico: the tree, the ruins, and the man in the big, round hat under the tree.
The Monte Alban lizard! I gave it hell, chasing it with the camera. This is the only focused photo. Sigh.
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