San José Mogote: earliest Zapotec political center with hieroglyphic writing. San José Mogote gained prominence between 900 and 600 BCE Population reached approximately 1,000 during its peak Site included an acropolis with temples on travertine and limestone platforms
San Jose Mogote rose to prominence between 900-600 BCE, reaching a population of around 1,000. This early Zapotec center featured an acropolis with temples on travertine and limestone platforms, and produced the earliest known Zapotec hieroglyphic writing. Monument 3 even shows a man with disembowelment glyphs including the calendar day 'one earthquake.'
Key Facts
- San José Mogote gained prominence between 900 and 600 BCE
- Population reached approximately 1,000 during its peak
- Site included an acropolis with temples on travertine and limestone platforms
- Produced the earliest known evidence of Zapotec hieroglyphic writing
- Monument 3 depicts a naked man with signs of disembowelment and glyphs including the calendar day name 'one earthquake'
- Zapotecs were using the 260-day ritual calendar by approximately 600-500 BCE
- Zapotec language belongs to the Oto-Manguean language family, the most ancient and widespread in Mesoamerica
- A neutral buffer zone existed in the center of the Oaxaca Valley where three valley arms converge
Related site: San Jose de Moro — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: The Rise and Fall of the ZAPOTEC EMPIRE by World of Antiquity