This is a large pre-Columbian archaeological site is in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, only 9 km west of the City of Oaxaca. Inhabited by the Zapotecs, Monte Albán (which means White Mountain) is one of the earliest cities of Mesoamerica. The ruin features an excellent variety of paintings and stone carvings from the period.
The site was literally carved out of a mountain and then inhabited for over 1000 years. In 1987 it was named a UNESCO World Heritage site. Structures have been constructed over large parts of the ruin to protect it from weather and sun. The site is large, but most of it can be seen once you reach the top of the mountain where the ceremonial area is. The hillside below the ceremonial area was covered with more than 2,000 terraces for houses and farms.
It is estimated that over 100,000 people lived here. Over 170 tombs have been discovered on the site. The ruin can be easily visited from the City of Oaxaca by taxi or shuttle. For more information visit Monte Alban Oaxaca.
