Learn Spanish and Go Monte Albán - La Ciudad Sagrada de Oaxaca - Monte Albán - The Sacred City in Oaxaca
Feb 25, 2025
Explore the ancient wonders of Monte Albán, a significant Mesoamerican city built by the Zapotecs. Discover its breathtaking mountain location and the intriguing theories about why it was abandoned. Delve into the celestial alignments that shaped its architecture and the mystery behind the name's origin. Learn about the stunning treasures found in Tomb 7 and how the histories of the Zapotecs and Mixtecs intertwine at this sacred site. Finally, meet a local guide who shares the enduring cultural significance of Monte Albán.
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Visiting Makes History Live
- May and Jimmy describe visiting Monte Albán with their Spanish immersion group and how being on-site brings history to life.
- They emphasize that seeing the actual locations makes the stories more vivid than reading about them in books.
Mountaintop Choice Was Strategic
- Monte Albán's mountaintop location served political, religious, and economic purposes for the Zapotecs.
- Its height gave strategic advantage and symbolized the city's importance as a regional center.
Abandonment Remains A Mystery
- Archaeologists still debate why the Zapotecs abandoned Monte Albán; several theories exist but none are certain.
- The hosts underline that studying ancient cities often yields plausible theories rather than definitive answers.