Monte Alban was built by the Zapotec civilization around 500 BC and was one of the most important pre-Columbian sites in Mexico. The city was situated on a mountain ridge overlooking the Oaxaca Valley, providing strategic advantage and control over the surrounding area. The Zapotecs built a complex city that featured grand plazas, temples, palaces, and other ceremonial structures.
Monte Alban's architecture reflects the intricate craftsmanship and engineering skills of the Zapotecs. The buildings were constructed using stone, adobe, and stucco, and they were decorated with intricate carvings and murals. The site features numerous plazas, including the Grand Plaza, which is the largest and most important of them all. It was used for ceremonial events, such as religious rituals, sports games, and other cultural activities.
The site also features several impressive pyramids, including the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. The Pyramid of the Sun is the largest structure at Monte Alban, standing over 200 feet tall. It was used for astronomical observations, and its design is believed to align with the sun during the summer solstice. The Pyramid of the Moon, on the other hand, was dedicated to the Zapotec goddess of fertility and agriculture.
Another notable structure at Monte Alban is the Ball Court. This was a place where a popular Mesoamerican ball game called "ulama" was played. It was a game that involved using the hips to pass a rubber ball through a hoop without using hands or feet. The Ball Court at Monte Alban is one of the oldest and best-preserved in Mesoamerica.
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