About 20 Km away from Oaxaca city centre is Monte Alban, a pre-colombian Zapotec archealogical site, 400m up at the top of a hill. The Zapotecs apparently ruled the surrounding lowlands and settlements from here. The views of the valley of Oaxaca are perfect and you can see how it would be an ideal place for the Zapotec elite to keep an eye on things! Although it must not have been so great to operate a city from here. There is no water source, and being at the top of a large hill inhibits trade somewhat.
The site consists of tombs, buildings and ball courts. I wonder, was it football they were playing? Who knows!
The Zapotecs fought a lot with the Aztecs but both were undone by the Spanish in the end.
We got a good look at three circling birds too. I got a few shots (with the camera!) I think they're common buzzards. Magnificent!
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