THE MIDDLE CIVILIZATIONS Ml 



Zapotecan Culture. In the State of Oaxaca the 

 Zapotecan [ndians attained to a high degree of civiliza- 

 tion, but a study of their culture shows they were pro- 

 foundly indebted to the Mayas for many ideas. Monte 

 Alban, the White Mountain, overlooking the modern 

 City of Oaxaca was the principal archaeological site in 

 point of size and may have been the ancient capital. 

 It was abandoned before the coming of the Spaniards, 

 however, and Mitla appears to have taken its place. 



Fig. 50. Comparison of Mayan and Zapotecan Serpent Heads. 

 The first two examples are from Palenque and the second two from 

 Monte Alban. 



Unfortunately no extensive traditions have come 

 down to us to help in the restoration of Zapotecan 

 history, nor in that of the neighboring Mixtecs. Al- 

 though the art, hieroglyphic writing, and calendar 

 system were pretty clearly derived from the Mayas, 

 nevertheless there was time and opportunity for these 

 to develop interesting characters of their own. It is 

 impossible to tell from the record whether the Zapotecs 

 ever embarked on a career of empire : the area in which 

 the characteristic products are found is practically 

 limited to the area at present occupied by the tribe. A 

 single beaut iful temple at the famous ruin of Xochicalco, 

 far to the northwest of the Zapotecan area (see p. loS) 

 - -how points of close similarity in sculptural art. 



Monte Alban and Mitla stand in strong contrast to 

 each other, the first crowning a mountain ridge, the 

 second occupying a valley site. Monte Alban has no 



