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Atzompa
On the peak of water
A monumental complex close to Monte Albán that testifies to the expansion of this culture at its height. The nobility lived here, as can be inferred from the numerous palaces, living complexes, squares and a burial complex.
About the site
The monumental complex of Atzompa lies in the municipality of Santa María Atzompa, Oaxaca, between corner points 16 and 31 of the protected area boundaries for the Monte Albán archeological zone. Atzompa’s name comes from the Nahuatl words atl (“water”), tzontli (“head”) and pan (“place”), which means “at the water’s head,” a name assigned by the Mexica culture during its expansion into the Valley of Oaxaca in the Postclassic period. Atzompa is a Zapotec settlement which belongs to the pre-Hispanic city of Monte Albán. It was settled in period IIIB-IV (650-850).

The high-status palatial units within the monumental complex are noteworthy, as are its three Mesoamerican ballgame courts. Ballcourt I, the largest in the pre-Hispanic city of Monte Albán, is the most outstanding of these. Moreover, the site has a privileged view of the Valley of Etla from its northern side. It is also important to mention the quality of workmanship of its ceramic objects, such as effigy vessels, funerary urns and apaxtles (large clay pots).

The archeological project for the Atzompa monumental complex began in earnest in 2007, when the first works of excavation, consolidation, restoration and material analysis were performed. Thanks to this project, the site was opened in September 2012. Archeologically speaking, it is now one of the most important areas in the central valleys of the state of Oaxaca.
371185
INAH-FN/Fondo Jorge R. Acosta
371192
INAH-FN/Fondo Jorge R. Acosta
371171
INAH-FN/Fondo Jorge R. Acosta
371168
INAH-FN/Fondo Jorge R. Acosta
371179
INAH-FN/Fondo Jorge R. Acosta
371173
INAH-FN/Fondo Jorge R. Acosta
500 - 850

Preclásico Medio a Posclásico Tardío
500 - 850

Clásico

Did you know...
  • The large Mesoamerican ballgame court has a niche at each corner. These niches may have been used as repositories for offerings.
  • The center of the Atzompa monumental complex is divided into four main terraces.
  • An important figure was discovered to have been buried with an offering in Structure 6.
An expert point of view
Jesús Eduardo Medina Villalobos
Jesús Eduardo Medina Villalobos
Zona Arqueológica de Monte Albán
Archeological site
Atzompa
Practical information
Monday to Sunday from 08:00 to 17:00 hrs.

Free entry


  • Extra fee for video cameras
  • Extra fee for professional cameras
  • No Smoking
  • No entry with food
  • Pets not allowed
Se localiza en la cima del cerro El Bonete, en el municipio de Santa María Atzompa, a 4 km de Monte Albán.

From the city of Oaxaca take the road for San Pedro Ixtlahuaca and travel 1 km until you find the signs that lead to the archeological zone.

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Yuridia Inelva Ríos Gómez
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+52 (951) 516 70 77
1757
349_A_00
349_atzompa_hector_montano_1
INAH-DMC/Héctor Montaño
349_atzompa_hector_montano_3
INAH-DMC/Héctor Montaño
Atzompa_Foto_Mauricio_Marat_INAH
INAH/Mauricio Marat
ATZOMPA_FOTO_HCTOR_MONTAO_INAH3
INAH-DMC/Héctor Montaño
349_atzompa_hector_montano_4
INAH-DMC/Héctor Montaño
Oaxaca
Conjunto monumental próximo a Monte Albán que habla de la expansión de este último sitio durante su apogeo. Albergó a la nobleza, como se advierte en sus numerosos palacios, conjuntos habitacionales, plazas y complejo funerario.
A monumental complex close to Monte Albán that testifies to the expansion of this culture at its height. The nobility lived here, as can be inferred from the numerous palaces, living complexes, squares and a burial complex.
En la cumbre del agua
Sobre la cabeza del agua
On the peak of water

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