Monte Alban Phase 2-3: peak population and Building J conquest records. Monte Alban Phase 2 (100 BCE-200 CE) saw the population reach approximately 17,200 Defensive walls up to 9 meters tall and 20 meters wide were constructed Building J is oriented at a 45-degree angle, possibly for astronomical observation toward stars like Alpha Centauri, the Southern Cross, or Capella
Monte Alban's population peaked at around 17,200 during Phase 2. Building J, oriented at 45 degrees possibly for astronomical observation, bears over 40 stone slabs recording conquered territories with place glyphs and defeated rulers shown upside-down. One glyph is tentatively identified as Cuicatlan. By 700 CE decline began, and by 900-1000 CE the site was largely abandoned.
Key Facts
- Monte Alban Phase 2 (100 BCE-200 CE) saw the population reach approximately 17,200
- Defensive walls up to 9 meters tall and 20 meters wide were constructed
- Building J is oriented at a 45-degree angle, possibly for astronomical observation toward stars like Alpha Centauri, the Southern Cross, or Capella
- Over 40 stone slabs on Building J record conquered territories with place glyphs and defeated rulers shown with upside-down heads
- One glyph has been tentatively identified as Cuicatlan in northern Oaxaca
- Monte Alban Phase 3 (Classic Period) saw the population reach a maximum of approximately 15,000 on the mountaintop
- Over 2,000 artificial terraces were built on the mountain flanks
- The site maintained contact with Teotihuacan over 400 km to the north, with a Oaxaca barrio at Teotihuacan
- Phase 3B (450-700 CE) saw secondary centers gaining autonomy
- By approximately 700 CE, population was declining; by 900-1000 CE the site was largely abandoned
Related site: Monte Alban — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: The Rise and Fall of the ZAPOTEC EMPIRE by World of Antiquity