Dainzu

Dainzu, Oaxaca

“Hill of the Cactus.”

Zapotec “Danni/hill and zu/cactus

HISTORICAL NOTES

Dainzu was likely occupied people on small farms as early as 750 BC centuries before the mighty Monte Alban took control of the Oaxaca Valleys. Dainizu was a leader among the small communities in the Tlacolula Valley and along the Rio Salado.

When Monte Alban was being populated, people from the valley flocked to the hillside fortress city. Dainzu likely contributed the building and the populating of the great city as did other villiages in the area. Its population and import decreased around 200 BC.

Dainzu flourished and grew as the Monte Alban Empire grew. It reached its cultural and economic peak between 250 and 350 AD and declined nearly a century later with the demise and abandonment of Monte Alban.

DATES

Timeline Graph

750 to 500 BC Ceramics date the earliest occupation of Dainzu. One of the main villages of Tlacolula Valley.

500 BC to 250 AD – General decline in population as Monte Alban was built and rose to power.

250 BC to 350 AD Main Phase of Occupation. Secondary city in political terms.

1200 AD– Decline and abandoned at the same time as Monte Alban.

1965 – Escavated by Mexican Archeologist Ignacio Bernal

LOCATION & DESCRIPTION

Geographic Location

Dainzu is situated in the Valley of Oaxaca approximately 20 kms south of the Capital city Oaxaca. It is in the Tlacolula Valley.

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