Danzantes of Building L: carved stone slabs depicting defeated enemies

July 28, 2026

MexicoGeneral

City/town/settlement1500 - 500 BC

Source: The Rise and Fall of the ZAPOTEC EMPIRE by World of Antiquity

Building L on Monte Alban's main plaza features around 300 carved stone slabs dating to 500-200 BCE, depicting figures with genital mutilation, believed to be tortured war captives. Associated glyphs likely represent names or speech. The ancient name is lost, though modern Zapotecs call it Daniban ('sacred mountain') and possibly Sahandeehui ('at the foot of heaven').

Key facts

Building L is located on the main plaza's western side
Approximately 300 carved stone slabs date to between 500 and 200 BCE
The figures show evidence of genital mutilation and are believed to be tortured war captives or sacrificed prisoners
Glyphs associated with the figures likely represent names or speak (uttering glyphs)
The display legitimized Monte Alban's political authority and intimidated rivals
The ancient Zapotec name for Monte Alban is lost; modern Zapotec speakers call it Daniban ('sacred mountain' or 'hill of the jaguar')
Possible ancient name 'Sahandeehui' means 'at the foot of heaven'
The main plaza covers 60,000 square meters, leveled from a mountaintop
The north platform contains four small temples arranged around a central patio with colonnaded galleries
Stela 18, the tallest monument, functioned as an astronomical instrument marking midday and solstices