The Oaxaca Valley, where the dry climate…

The Oaxaca Valley, where the dry climate has conserved sites as old as 10,000 years, was settled by the Zapotecs, who over the centuries had developed a hierarchical society governed by kings and nobles.

While the valley is relatively isolated, the Zapotecs do have contacts with other Mesoamerican peoples.

The influence of the city at the site of Monte Alban had declined outside and inside the valley of Oaxaca by the Late Classic (Monte Albán IIIB/IV, circa 500-1000), and elites at several other centers, once part of the Monte Albán state, had begun to assert their autonomy, including sites such as ...