Considered the capital of the Zapotec empire and where the inhabitants called themselves the inhabitants of the clouds because it is built on a plateau that seems to touch the sky. Considered one of the most important cities in Mesoamerica.The archaeological zone of Atzompa was a neighboring settlement of Monte Albán. Until a few years ago, the archaeological finds on this site had passed without major importance, but in 2012, archaeologists found a funerary complex over 1,100 years old. This changed the perception of the place as a satellite city of Monte Albán.
The tombs of Atzompa are a special case, because unlike those found elsewhere, they are in an upright position, one above the other, and are not underground. The decoration of the cameras is also amazing, as it retains remnants of wall painting with ball game scenes. Offerings in exceptional conservation states were found within these tombs.Yagul is an Archaeological Zone located in the immediate vicinity of the town of Tlacolula. Its name means old tree and is a toponymic reference of the site. It is known that Yagul was inhabited shortly after the decline of Monte Albán, around 800 A.D. Therefore, many architectural similarities have been found with the Zapotec capital, but also with Mitla. Yagul's dominance and influence over the Zapotec-Mixtec region was still in force shortly before the Spanish colonization.The architecture of Mitla has a strong Mixtec influence that stands out for the beauty of its buildings upholstered with Greek mosaics and for the cruciform tombs that lie under the same buildings. By the style of its constructions it is believed that Mitla was one of the first anti-seismic cities of Mesoamerica.
