Monte Alban, lofty stronghold of the mighty  Zapotec

Monte Alban, lofty stronghold of the mighty Zapotec

Monte Alban was easily among the largest and most influential city-states during early Mesoamerican history.  Established by the Zapotec civilization in the 5th century BCE, Monte Alban flourished for 1,500 years. Its eventual collapse coincides roughly with the fall of the great classic Maya city-states of the Petén, such as Tikal, over 800 miles away….

Massive Stone Hieroglyph Panel Sheds New Light on the History of Cobá

Massive Stone Hieroglyph Panel Sheds New Light on the History of Cobá

The discovery of an extensive stone panel including 123 Maya hieroglyphs sheds light on previously unknown details about the ancient city of Cobá in Quintana Roo.  The ancient stones tell of a previously unknown ruler of Cobá who went by the name of K’awiil Ch’ak Chéen. Thus, the K’awiil dynasty, now known to have comprised…

Until Recently, El Palomar Was Off-Limits, But Now Uxmal’s Latest Attraction Will Leave You Breathless

Until Recently, El Palomar Was Off-Limits, But Now Uxmal’s Latest Attraction Will Leave You Breathless

Like several other sites, most notably Chichén Viejo, Uxmal has recently had considerable resources devoted to it, including much-needed basic maintenance and the restoration and opening to the public of entirely new areas.

Exploring the ‘hidden’ Maya archaeology of eastern Mérida

Exploring the ‘hidden’ Maya archaeology of eastern Mérida

Few cities in Mexico can compete with Mérida for the sheer amount of archaeological remains.  Many of the grand pyramids and temples that once stood in what today is Mérida have succumbed to the ravages of time and pillaging. However, there are still a great many sites to explore in Yucatán’s capital city. One of…

Even after 3,500 years, San José del Mogote never ceases to amaze

Even after 3,500 years, San José del Mogote never ceases to amaze

A contemporary of several of the Olmecs’ most ancient settlements is the Zapotec ceremonial center of San José del Mogote. Founded around 1500 BCE, San José del Mogote is notable not only for its sheer antiquity but also for the size of its temples and inscriptions. During the last half of the 1960s, research teams…

Zaachila: The final resting place for kings of old and the last Zapotec princess

Zaachila: The final resting place for kings of old and the last Zapotec princess

If you arrive at Zaachila knowing nothing about the site and take a quick look around, you may ask what exactly is so special about this place. Sure, the surrounding Oaxacan town and its market are extremely charming, but aside from the remains of a handful of pyramids — now turned into mounds littered with ancient…

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