Monte Alban is an archaeological site in Mexico dating back to 500 BC, with distinct architectural designs and underground passageways. The Danzantes, stone sculptures of tortured men, are the oldest artifacts discovered. Visitors can take a bus from Oaxaca to the site.
Located on a mountaintop west of Oaxaca City in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, Monte Alban is an archaeological site dating to approximately 500 BC. The earlier Olmec culture is largely credited with initiating construction on the site . Over the centuries other peoples have inhabited the site or have also used it for various rituals. Located just over 6000 feet (about 1940m) above sea level, Monte Alban was a major city in the Oaxaca Valley and was one of the first cities in Mesoamerica.
Monte Alban features distinct architectural designs similar to other ancient cities in Mexico. The important archaeological ruins use terraces and steps and surround a central courtyard, known as the main square. Archaeologists believe that many of the building techniques were borrowed from other cities, such as Teotihuacan, an archaeological site hundreds of kilometers away north of Mexico City. Monte Alban features numerous underground passageways, rooms and tombs as well as drainage systems and water storage systems. The city may have held over 35,000 people during its heyday.
In the museum just outside the archaeological site, visitors can view the Danzantes, or Dancers, which are stone sculptures discovered throughout Monte Alban. They depict men who are apparently dancing, however, the hypothesis that the men are dancing was later rejected. Many of these figures are undergoing various mutilations, tortures and even death. The contorted positions of the figures led early archaeologists to believe that the figures were dancing. They are the oldest artifacts discovered at Monte Alban and their meaning is yet to be interpreted, although many archaeologists believe these figures represent the tortured prisoners of outlying cities. In fact, many remains of human bodies have been found at the site, some with holes in their skulls. Some archaeologists believe the holes are evidence of early medical treatments, but others speculate it may have been a form of torture.
The easiest way to reach Monte Alban is to take a bus from the city of Oaxaca. Several tour companies offer bus service from the city to the ruins, but be sure to look for a reputable company. Most bus companies charge a return ticket and will allow visitors two hours at the site, which is enough time to tour the museum and wander the grounds. The bus ride takes about twenty minutes to a half hour up the steep road out of Oaxaca; it’s a long walk from town, so buses are the preferred method of travel to and from the site.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
