How Do You Spell MONTE ALBAN?

Pronunciation: [mˈɒnti ˈɔːlbən] (IPA)

Monte Albán is a pre-Columbian archaeological site located in the city of Oaxaca, Mexico. The spelling of the word "Monte Albán" is pronounced [ˈmonte alˈβan] in IPA phonetic transcription. The initial "m" is pronounced as a nasal sound, with the vowel "o" being pronounced as /ɔ/. The stress is placed on the first syllable, and the "t" in "Monte" is pronounced as a light flap [ɾ]. The second word "Albán" is pronounced with stress on the second syllable, and the "b" is pronounced as a voiced fricative [β].

MONTE ALBAN Meaning and Definition

  1. Monte Albán is an ancient city located in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca. It served as the capital of the Zapotec civilization from around 500 BCE to 800 CE.

    The name "Monte Albán" translates to "White Mountain" in Spanish, reflecting its location atop a large rocky hill at an elevation of around 400 meters above the surrounding valley. It is considered one of the most important archaeological sites in Mesoamerica due to its historical and cultural significance.

    The city features a vast complex of monumental architecture, including temples, palaces, and plazas. The core area of Monte Albán covers approximately 2 square kilometers and is characterized by its characteristic flattened summit, where many of the major structures were built. The buildings are primarily made of stone, and some display intricate stone carvings and hieroglyphic inscriptions.

    Monte Albán played a pivotal role in Zapotec civilization, serving as a political, economic, and religious center. It was a hub for trade, art, and knowledge, influencing surrounding regions. The site exhibits evidence of advanced urban planning and engineering skills, such as complex drainage systems and terraced platforms.

    Today, Monte Albán is a prominent archaeological site and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It attracts numerous visitors who come to explore its ancient ruins, learn about the Zapotec civilization, and marvel at the architectural achievements of the past.

Etymology of MONTE ALBAN

The word "Monte Albán" is a combination of two terms. "Monte" comes from the Spanish language, meaning "mountain" or "hill". "Albán", on the other hand, is derived from the Zapotec language, the indigenous language spoken by the ancient inhabitants of the region where Monte Albán is located.

In Zapotec, "Albán" means "in the midst of heaven" or "the center of the sky". The name "Monte Albán" was given to this archaeological site in Oaxaca, Mexico, which was the capital of the Zapotec civilization from around 500 BCE to 800 CE. It is believed that the name was chosen to reflect the elevated location of the city, situated atop a hill at an altitude of about 1,940 meters (6,360 feet) above sea level.