Ancient capital of the Zapotecs, it was subsequently occupied by the Mixtecs prior to the arrival of the Spaniards. During its maximum splendour, Monte Alban extended 6.5 square kms and had an approximate population of 40,000 inhabitants. The civic-ceremonial center is situated atop an artificially-leveled ridge, which with an elevation of about 1,940 m (6,400 ft) above the seas level. The Main Plaza is delimited by large platforms, temples, elite residences, and ballcourts. One characteristic of the site, is the large number of carved stone monuments one encounters throughout the plaza, the so-called "Danzantes" (dancers), which represent naked men in contorted and twisted poses. The site has a museum, bookstore and a coffee shop.
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