[Aztlan] The Monte Alban collapse

[michael ruggeri]

Listeros,

University of Colorado archaeology professor Arthur Joyce, speaking at  
the 5th Monte Alban Round Table in Oaxaca, said that he has found  
evidence of tension between the elite and commoners in the main Monte  
Alban plaza between 200-800 CE. The square looks like it became an  
elite dwelling area. As a result, commoners were excluded from major  
ceremonies and the peoples loyalty eroded. The elite was increasingly  
isolated and commoners were emigrating and the government collapsed.  
Elite residences were abandoned. In the late Pre-Classic, around 200  
CE, there was a political disruption. Stela were dismantled and  
arrowheads were found in the main plaza. Other centers were rising to  
power and the commoners of Monte Alban were not supportive of their  
elites to protect the city.

INAH has the story here;
http://dti.inah.gob.mx/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogsection&id=39&Itemid=150

A tiny URL;
http://tinyurl.com/5hnjp5

Mike Ruggeri's Zapotec World
http://tinyurl.com/37huyl

Mike Ruggeri's Zapotec Art Portfolio
http://tinyurl.com/lu36ac