Zapotec Civilization

Hourly History

July 2019 · Hourly History

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About this eBook

The Zapotecs formed one of the most important of the pre-Columbian civilizations. For one thousand years, their main city of Monte Albán was one of the largest and most sophisticated in Mesoamerica. Building this city was an astonishing engineering feat—it involved flattening a hill in the center of the Oaxaca Valley to create an artificial plateau and then constructing a series of large, ornate buildings on this inaccessible site. Maintaining this large city on a site with no natural source of water must have required an enormous and willing workforce. Despite this, Monte Albán became one of the largest and most important cities in Mesoamerica, and the Zapotecs came to dominate not just the Oaxaca Valley but many adjacent lands.

We don’t know why or how the Zapotecs suddenly seemed to acquire new engineering and architectural skills, but their rise to prominence was astonishingly swift. Once in a position of dominance, they maintained their hold over the region for more than one thousand years. Then, for reasons that are equally unclear, the Zapotecs faced a slow decline which saw them abandon Monte Albán to decay and ruin and return to the Oaxaca Valley floor to become once again a mainly agrarian, peasant people.

The Zapotecs still exist as a separate culture in Mexico, but they have never regained their prominence and are now little more than one of the indigenous peoples of that region. This is the story of the rapid rise and gradual decline of the ancient Zapotec people.

Discover a plethora of topics such as

The Emergence of the Zapotecs and Monte Albán

Monte Albán Phase 1 to 5

Zapotec Architecture, Art, and Science

Zapotec Religion and Society

Legacy

And much more!

Explore the fascinating world of the Zapotec civilization, one of Mesoamerica’s earliest and most influential cultures. From the city of Monte Albán to their writing system and traditions, the Zapotecs left a rich and lasting legacy. Perfect for history lovers and curious minds alike!

Get your copy today and uncover the story of this ancient civilization!

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At Hourly History, we focus on publishing history books that are concise, straightforward and take no longer than one hour to read.

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