Monte Alban was once the largest pre-Columbian settlement, inhabited by the Zapotecs. Its ruins are located in the southeast of Mexico in the state of Oaxaca, whose eponymous capital is only 9 kilometers away. The city's name literally translates as "white mountain."

The ceremonial center of the ancient city is located on a hilltop that overlooks two thousand meters above sea level. Zapotec here were created hundreds of terraces and dozens of bulk facilities. These ruins are truly impressive, because they can be seen from anywhere in the Valley of Oaxaca.

The city is first and foremost in all of Mesoamerica. For nearly a thousand years it was the political and economic center of the Zapotec civilization. The city was inhabited by about 20 thousand people. Getting its history scientists refer to about 500 BC. His demise came at the end of the Classic period, around 500-750 AD. After he was practically abandoned. Local residents were engaged in processing rock crystal, gold jewelry manufacturing.

The first expedition, discover the city, was a group of Alfonso Caso, who came here in 1932. Excavations were begun. Part of what was found left behind by placing a small museum. The rest of the artifacts were taken to Mexico City. Among the many paintings here were found images of people of similar appearance to the Toltecs, historians attribute this to the fact that the city was once captured by them.

Archaeological Site of Monte Alban listed as a UNESCO cultural heritage.