Atzompa

Zapotec elite residential complex located 4 km north of Monte Alban in Oaxaca, occupied during periods IIIB-IV (c. 650-850 AD) [1] [2] [3]. The site features high-status palatial units including the House of Altars and House of the East, along with three Mesoamerican ballcourts, the largest measuring 45 by 22 metres -- the biggest in all of Monte Alban [1] [3]. Excavations beginning in 2007 uncovered effigy vessels and funerary urns demonstrating advanced Zapotec craftsmanship [1] [3] [4] [5]. The name derives from Nahuatl meaning "at the water's head" [3].