Ancient Overlooking Modern

A long, STEEP hike up a mountainside to see the archaeological site of Atzompa rewarded us with this view of the Valley of Oaxaca. Atzompa is an extension of Monte Albán, which is to the right, and was a largely residential area of that great metropolis. Archaeologists are presently uncovering the site, rebuilding some of the structures, and preparing artifacts for an onsite museum.
For security, the Zapotecs built their city on top of these mountains because it gave them a 360 degree view of the surrounding valleys.