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Monte Albán - Northern Platform
The main stairwell leading up to the Northern Platform. Note the Stele at the base in the middle and the columns at the top. The Sunken Patio is not visible from the Main Plaza. From the Main Plaza the expansive 42 meter wide stairway leads up (32 feet) to the North Platform. Built on natural bedrock the platform is nearly as large as the whole of the Main Plaza below and is the largest construction on the site. The stairs lead to a series of columns with a 2 meter diameter. Measuring 194 meters wide from West to East and 265 meters deep, the platform likely served as a residential area and private ceremonial site for Monte Albán’s elite. It is complex of residential platforms and temples surrounding a sunken 3 meter patio. Construction started around 200 BC and likely began with the sunken patio and temples. Symbols from the structures indicate that the platform was used for religious ceremonies related to the sky, lightening and rain. Later the platform was occupied by the elite who built residences on this desirable real-estate. Carved genealogies of elite families are found on some monuments. Artifacts found on the North Platform contain a number of items that were made in Teotihuacan or exhibit a Teotihuacan style. These are interpreted as evidence of a political diplomatic relationship with the elite from both cities; the North Platform being the ceremonial location for feats and devotion. The Northern Platform
has numerous structures and features: The Obelisk shaped stela is believed to mark the importance of the Northern Platform and the events taking place atop the staircase. While it is eroded you can see the detail on all four sides. On the south facing side a male figure known as 8 flower, wears an elaborate headdress indicating a royal position in the society. The Sunken Patio is also referred to the Patio Hundido. It is the second largest in Monte Albán and is approximately 50 meters square with a large 12 by 12 meter alter in the center. Because of it is hidden from the Main Plaza below and only visible from atop the North Plaza, it has been suggested that this was the main location for the ruling elite’s exclusive religious and social ceremonies. Teotihuacan articles were found in the central altar. The Sunken Patio is surrounded by Building B, A, and 1.
Likely the
newest building in Monte Albán, the building is in poor shape.
It is believed it was built by the Mixtecs after the city was
abandoned by the Zapotec – around 850 AD. As with many buildings
it appears to be built on the remains of an earlier building.
Known also as the Jeweled building because of the obsidian and mica discovered here, Building A, built around 500 AD, faces the sunken patio and is adorned with a Teotihuacan styled staircase. The pyramid/temple is 7.5 meters high and is believed to be a Teotihuacan temple or residential complex. Building A Facing South
Building I was built with numerous renovations and additions; layer upon layer. The first construction likely began in 100BC. The VG Complex is the home to a small plaza surrounded by Building D to the North, Building E to the south, Building VG to the east and Temple of 2 columns to the West. VG stands for the Geodesic Vertex a measuring point. Building E has an interesting Stele near the top of the staircase which chronicles the transfer of power from one generation of noble women to another. The building was enlarged in 600 AD to add this new staircase. Building VG is the largest in the complex and once contained the tomb of a rich noblewoman. The offerings included pearls, shells and greenstones. Building D is at the far north of the Northern Platform and like Buildings VG and E originally supported adobe-walled temples on the top. The Temple of Two Columns was built between 500 and 800 AD, this temple features a Zapotec relief sculpture "Wide-Beaked Bird" deity, believed to be a symbol of war. The stone columns supported a roof.
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