The ancient Zapotec city of Dainzú (sometimes spelled Dannizhú) is remarkable for many reasons, including its antiquity and the beauty of its petroglyphs.
Established in the 7th century BCE, Dainzú was, along with San José del Mogote, already going strong for centuries by the time of the founding of Monte Albán.
Though Dainzú roughly translates as “mount of cacti,” its original name has been lost for nearly two millennia, partly because the city was mysteriously abandoned sometime in the 3rd century CE.
The influence of this early Zapotec city can be seen across the entire region, especially when it comes to its many petroglyphs and funerary catacombs.
Catacombs at Dainzú date from roughly the city’s founding to the 2nd century — by which time they exhibit features similar to those found in Monte Albán.
Funerary practices and styles in the Zapotec heartland would continue to evolve until the 16th century with the arrival of other peoples, including the Nahua, to the region.
Aside from its tombs, Dainzú is famous for its Temple A, built upon three terraces built into a hill.
During archeological excavations atop the upper terrace, researchers discovered four rooms with slightly slanted walls covered in large carved stones.
The gallery depicts carved stone bas-reliefs similar in style to the danzantes (dancer) bas-reliefs found in Monte Albán.
Given the location of Dainzú’s ballcourt directly across from Temple A, combined with its abundant imagery referring to this ceremony, there is good reason to believe there is an existent and important connection between these two structures.
Some scholars believe that a Nahua variation on the better-known form of the Mesoamerican ballgame was practiced at Dainzú during the second century. This variation is believed to have used a type of animal hyde glove, though its rules and significance are not fully understood.
If you go
The best way to get to Dainzú is to taxi from Oaxaca de Júarez, the state capital. The approximately 15-mile ride is quite picturesque, and if you opt for a taxi, it should not run you more than 100-150 pesos or so. But because there are few taxis in this area, you may want to ask your driver to wait for you.
General admission is 85 pesos and free for students and teachers, as well as Mexican residents, on Sundays. That said, during a recent visit the entrance was free because there was nobody behind the ticket booth.
