Atzompa — Oaxaca
Atzompa Archaeological Zone
Classic Xoo 650–900 CE·Zapotec (Xoo/Mahuitz phase)·🇲🇽 Oaxaca, Valles Centrales, Mexico
About
About Atzompa — Oaxaca
Late Classic Zapotec outlier city 5 km north of Monte Albán (650–900 CE): 250×180 m plaza with triple temple, 45 m ballcourt largest in Oaxaca, House of the Altars and House of the South, 2000 residents. Part of UNESCO Monte Albán ensemble 1987. Necropolis with urns Cozìjo, attached to Monte Albán via causeway, demonstrates altepetl barrio confederation before collapse. Excavated INAH 2009–15 by Nelly Robles.
Why it mattersProves Monte Albán was constellated altepetl not single acropolis; tests barrio confederacy model.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Why largest ballcourt outside core
- 02Altar House function — priestly college?
Theories
- 01Atzompa as secondary capital during Xoo fracturing
- 02Ballcourt as diplomatic theater between barrios
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.650–850 CE
- Period
- Classic Xoo 650–900 CE
- Culture
- Zapotec (Xoo/Mahuitz phase)
- Builders
- Zapotec
- Purpose
- Satellite city/barrio of Monte Albán and ballcourt ceremonial center
- Abandoned
- c.900 CE (with Monte Albán)
- Rediscovered
- 1930s Caso noted; INAH Atzompa Project 2009
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
650
Plaza and triple temple layout
2012
House of the Altars urn cache discovery
On the ground
Structures & features
17.0686° N · 96.7781° W · 1675 m · 2 mapped features
House of the Altars
palaceElite residence with four stucco altars and urns
17.0690° N · 96.7775° WAtzompa Ballcourt
ballcourt45 m I-shaped stucco ballcourt largest in valley
17.0680° N · 96.7788° W
Gallery