February28_2010

Botanical Glossary - Home - References Cited

Photos - L-R - A rugged looking Temple in the South Platform area.

Steps in the South Platform with rounded columns in background.

The Main Plaza looking toward the North Platform - as you can see, this is a rather large layout - I'm wondering how many temporary structures would have been in the plaza and what it would have looked like while it was still inhabited.

Photos - Frames left and right: The Main Plaza with Building J and the main attraction. The Astronomer Anthony Aveni has identified an alignment of Building J with the bright star Capella. Monte Alban II culture, Late Preclassic Period. The exterior of the building has a set of over 40 inscribed stones depicting heads with closed eyes, text and symbols that represent the year, month and day. Clearly, there is an obsession of astronomy as it was related to the regular battles that were fought with enemies over land and territory. It was also customary during that time to carve figures of the vanquished enemies, towns that were conquered as well as the heads of defeated Kings depicted.

Center frame: A relief map of the Monte Alban Site near the North Platform Entrance. I am standing in front of the north platform looking south.

Photos - L-R - The Ball Court from the North Platform Looking South.

A Close up of one building within the Ball Court area of the northern section of the Main Plaza (on the southeastern side of the site) and as you can see it is only partially restored.

Climbing the steps up to the South Platform: These steps are rather steep and difficult for some folks to ascend.

Click here for more photos of Monte Alban in Oaxaca Mexico for this day.