Monte Alban is one of the top 5 archeological sites in Mexico (the other 4 are Teotihuacan, Palenque, Chichen Itza, and Uxmal). But Monte Alban is special because of its spectacular geographic location; on a 400 meter plateau, it has 360-degree views over the valleys surrounding it including, on one side, the colorful city of Oaxaca.
The city was founded around 500 BC by the Zapotecs, a race of warriors and artisans who also built the richly detailed archeological site found at nearby Mitla. Attracted by the location (it was the perfect spot for defense against invaders) they leveled off the hilltop and built temples and palaces. At it's peak, Monte Alban had a population of about 25,000.
Then suddenly, around 750 AD, Monte Alban was abandoned.
More about Monte Alban on the blog: bbqboy.net/why-you-have-to-vi...