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<< Other Photo Pages >> Atzompa - Ancient Village or Settlement in Mexico

Submitted by bat400 on Wednesday, 25 July 2012  Page Views: 13513

Multi-periodSite Name: Atzompa
Country: Mexico
NOTE: This site is 43.582 km away from the location you searched for.
Type: Ancient Village or Settlement
Nearest Town: Oaxaca, Mexico
Latitude: 17.079100N  Longitude: 96.7828W
Condition:
5Perfect
4Almost Perfect
3Reasonable but with some damage
2Ruined but still recognisable as an ancient site
1Pretty much destroyed, possibly visible as crop marks
0No data.
-1Completely destroyed
 4 Ambience:
5Superb
4Good
3Ordinary
2Not Good
1Awful
0No data.
 no data Access:
5Can be driven to, probably with disabled access
4Short walk on a footpath
3Requiring a bit more of a walk
2A long walk
1In the middle of nowhere, a nightmare to find
0No data.
 no data Accuracy:
5co-ordinates taken by GPS or official recorded co-ordinates
4co-ordinates scaled from a detailed map
3co-ordinates scaled from a bad map
2co-ordinates of the nearest village
1co-ordinates of the nearest town
0no data
 4

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Atzompa
Atzompa submitted by Andy B : A view of a burial chamber at the archeological site of Atzompa. Photo copyright INAH (Vote or comment on this photo)
Ancient Village in Oaxaca State, Mexico. This village is considered to be part of the Monte Alban polity and was settled between 650 and 850 AD. The structures and finds suggests an elite population with 3 ballcourts and residences opening on to large plazas.

The site is now open to the public.

Note: Mexican archaeologists unearth 1100-year-old burial chamber in extraordinary condition
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Atzompa
Atzompa submitted by Andy B : A view of the building (top) where archeologists found a burial chamber at the archeological site of Atzompa. Photo copyright INAH Site in Mexico (Vote or comment on this photo)

Atzompa
Atzompa submitted by davidmorgan : Part of the recently deciphered frieze. Photo credit: INAH. (Vote or comment on this photo)

Atzompa
Atzompa submitted by Andy B : Atzompa was a satellite city of Monte Alban, but the new find changes their relationship to one another Image copyright INAH (Vote or comment on this photo)

Atzompa
Atzompa submitted by Andy B : Embodied in a thin layer of stucco, the pictorial motifs of the burial chamber are of a unique style in Oaxaca. Image copyright INAH (Vote or comment on this photo)

Atzompa
Atzompa submitted by Andy B : A number of small vessels, a miniature metate and a fragment of shell, part of a small offering located in the second chamber. Image copyright INAH

Atzompa
Atzompa submitted by Andy B : Tombs as well preserved as this are rarely seen - they seem much as they were by the pre-Hispanic Zapotec over 1,100 years ago. Image copyright INAH

Atzompa
Atzompa submitted by Andy B : A map of the archaeological site of Atzompa. Building 6, where the graves were located, is attached to the Casa de Los Altares (house of the Altars). Image copyright INAH

Atzompa
Atzompa submitted by Andy B : A view of the vertical burial chambers at the archeological site of Atzompa. Photo copyright INAH Site in Mexico

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 4.2km SSE 158° Monte Alban* Ancient Village or Settlement
 24.2km SSE 158° El Palenque Ancient Village or Settlement
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 211.1km NE 42° Tres Zapotes* Ancient Village or Settlement
 219.8km NE 45° La Cobata* Sculptured Stone
 224.5km ENE 72° El Azuzul* Pyramid / Mastaba
 227.1km ENE 71° San Lorenzo Tenochtitlán Museum* Museum
 242.5km ENE 65° Cascajal Artificial Mound
 244.2km NNE 17° Isla de Sacrificios* Ancient Temple
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 272.5km NW 324° Cholula* Pyramid / Mastaba
 275.3km N 357° Museo de Antropologia de Xalapa* Museum
 275.4km NW 310° Chalcatzingo* Rock Art
 290.7km N 8° Quiahuiztlan* Rock Cut Tomb
 291.9km NW 326° Cacaxtla* Ancient Village or Settlement
 292.2km NW 326° Xochitecatl* Pyramid / Mastaba
 312.1km ENE 68° La Venta.* Ancient Village or Settlement
View more nearby sites and additional images

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"Atzompa" | Login/Create an Account | 10 News and Comments
  
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INAH announces iconographic interpretation of the great frieze found in Atzompa by davidmorgan on Wednesday, 16 March 2022
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Discovered in 2018, the 15-metre-long ornament is the longest Zapotec script text explored and recorded in the Valley of Oaxaca

The glyphs allude to aspects of power in the ancient city, an example of the writing of that culture during the Late Classic period (600-900 AD)

From INAH press release (in Spanish).

Also an article in Smithsonian magazine: Researchers Decipher the Glyphs on a 1,300-Year-Old Frieze in Mexico.
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Greatest Zapoteca Ballgame Court in Atzompa Restored by Anonymous on Tuesday, 26 February 2013
I'm a male of 66 yrs old first name salvador,I wish somehow the writer could if possible give a denition of a given name,example- What is the meaning of the mane of the archaeological town name ATZOMPA in Oaxaca. Can't any body take time to interview person or persons in the region to find 3 or more answers. Thank you.
[ Reply to This ]

Stunning figurine represents high ranking Zapotec by davidmorgan on Friday, 18 January 2013
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In the summer of 2012 a burial of two high ranking individuals of the ancient Zapotec culture was discovered by archaeologists of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) within the third chamber of a tomb in the Aztompa Archaeological Zone in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Deep within the third chamber an anthropomorphic clay figurine, ornamented with painted face and headdress, emerged from the excavation under the careful scrutiny of archaeologist Eduardo García. The piece belonged to the mortuary offerings of a male adult.

Two of the three funerary chambers – constructed vertically and connected by a small nine stepped stair – are decorated with exquisite mural paintings, from which geometric figures (possible allusions to the ball game) and the colour red (related to the underworld) stand out.

The rich iconography of the figurine could indicate the identity of one of those buried in Chamber 3 of the funerary complex. The artefact is about 1200 years old and has now been painstakingly conserved. It has a series of attributes that could point to a high ranking individual who belonged to the old Zapotec metropolis of Aztompa.

The character represented is in a sitting position with clothing composed of a feather cloak, a tassel necklace and an elaborate headdress. The red pigment is one of the more distinctive characteristics and will have been obtained from either cinnabar or heamatite.

According to archaeologist Eduardo Garcia Wigueras, the lead investigator, within the mortuary temple (built around 750 and 900 CE), they also found a smaller red pot with a goddess’s representation and the skeletons of two individuals, one of which is probably represented by the figure.

He explained that one of the skeletons belongs to a teenager, possibly a female and the other is that of an adult male, his remains characterized by cranial deformation.

The burial was covered in a red pigment, similar to the pot making it probable that this individual is the person represented in the ceramic piece.

Another element of the effigy that stands out is its headdress representing a reptile, surrounded by feathers, with its jaws open wide. To the Zapotec (and other pre Columbian cultures), this feathered serpent was a powerful mythical animal that contributed in the celestial sphere and the earthly one and can probably be linked to a person with high political status.

http://www.pasthorizonspr.com/index.php/archives/01/2013/stunning-figurine-represents-high-ranking-zapotec

Submitted by coldrum.
[ Reply to This ]

Nearly Intact 1,200 Year-Old Funerary Vessel Identified in Oaxaca, Mexico Temple by davidmorgan on Monday, 14 January 2013
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Information surrounding an exceptional effigy vessel, found a few months ago in a mortuary temple at the Atzompa Archaeological Zone in Oaxaca, has been released by archaeologists from Mexico’s National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH). The ancient city of Atzompa, was one of the centers of the ancient metropolis of Monte Alban.

The ceramic piece with human characteristics is approximately 1,200 year-old, and has been recovered nearly intact with its red, brown and grayish green coloring present.

According to the description of archaeologist Eduardo Garcia Wigueras, the effigy vessel find is exceptional in that the elaborate costume of the character is represented in detail, consisting of a layer of feathers, tassels, necklace, and earrings. There are also a number of iconographic references that refer to the name of the person it’s meant to represent. It is likely that the individual personified was known as Tremor ‘8 ‘.

In addition to the effigy vessel found was another smaller red vessel with the representation of a goddess, and the skeletal remains of two individuals.

Another highlight of the effigy vessel is his 34 cm high headdress, which is represented as a reptile with feathers and surrounded by open jaws.

http://www.hispanicallyspeakingnews.com/latino-daily-news/details/nearly-intact-1200-year-old-funerary-vessel-identified-in-oaxaca-mexico-tem/20848/

Submitted by coldrum.
[ Reply to This ]

Zapotec Burial Site Found in Southern Mexico by davidmorgan on Monday, 17 September 2012
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The tomb of a high-ranking member of Zapotec society was found at a 1,200-year-old funerary complex in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, the National Anthropology and History Institute, or INAH, said.

The funerary complex, which has three burial chambers, was found about three months ago at the Atzompa archaeological zone, the INAH said.

Archaeologists managed to get into the third pre-Columbian burial chamber, which contained human remains that are likely those of a male, INAH archaeology coordinator Nelly Robles Garcia said.

The remains will be analyzed to determine the age, nutrition and health of the individual, as well as whether there are intentional deformities of a cultural nature.

Archaeologists found a fractured skull belonging to another individual next to the remains, leading them to conclude that it may have been an offering.

A small, black tubular pitcher and pieces of a vessel were also found in the burial chamber.

A red urn with a human face on it and other items were found in the grave, archaeologist Eduardo Garcia said.

The vessel, which is estimated to date back to 650 A.D. to 850 A.D., is 50 centimeters (1.6 feet) tall, archaeologists said.

"We are dealing with a building where the remains of people with a very high status were placed. Who they were and what role they played in Zapotec society is still to be determined based on the findings that are being made and their later analysis," Robles said.

Archaeologists found the building, which was designed exclusively as a burial site, in late April.

The tombs are located one on top of the other and, unlike previous discoveries, are not underground.

One of the burial chambers is decorated with a mural of a ball game, a theme not found before in Zapotec funerary practices.

Atzompa was a small satellite city of Monte Alban, the main center of the Zapotec state that dominated what today is Oaxaca.

"This discovery changes the perception we had in the sense that it was not as similar to Monte Alban as had been thought but, instead, developed its own architectural expressions, such as in the case of tombs and palaces," Robles said.

Read more: http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/entertainment/2012/08/16/zapotec-burial-site-found-in-southern-mexico/

Submitted by coldrum.
[ Reply to This ]

Re: Greatest Zapoteca Ballgame Court in Atzompa Restored by Andy B on Wednesday, 25 July 2012
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Photos from the recent excavation at Atzompa

http://www.flickr.com/photos/yaxchibonam/tags/advancepeekatnewexcavation/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/yaxchibonam/sets/72157622482617473/with/4021715588/
[ Reply to This ]

Mexican archaeologists unearth ancient 1,100-year-old burial chamber by davidmorgan on Wednesday, 25 July 2012
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Archaeologists have discovered an ancient 1,100-year-old burial chamber at the archeological site of Atzompa, in the Mexican state of Oaxaca.

The funerary complex, consisting of three burial chambers, is different from the previously discovered finds in the region.

It was located inside a building designed exclusively to house a series of tombs placed vertically, one above another, and unlike the ones found so far, they are not underground, according to the National Institute of Anthropology and History.

Photos at: http://news.nationalpost.com/2012/07/19/mexican-archaeologists-unearth-ancient-1100-year-old-burial-chamber/

Submitted by jackdaw1.
[ Reply to This ]
    Re: Mexican archaeologists unearth ancient 1,100-year-old burial chamber by Andy B on Wednesday, 25 July 2012
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    Thanks - here's the INAH press release in Spanish
    http://www.inah.gob.mx/index.php/boletines/17-arqueologia/6019-hallan-tumbas-de-mas-de-mil-anos-en-atzompa
    [ Reply to This ]
    Zapotec Burial Site Found in Southern Mexico by bat400 on Monday, 20 August 2012
    (User Info | Send a Message)
    The tomb of a high-ranking member of Zapotec society was found at a 1,200-year-old funerary complex in the southern Mexican state of Oaxaca, the National Anthropology and History Institute, or INAH, said.

    The funerary complex, which has three burial chambers, was found about three months ago at the Atzompa archaeological zone, the INAH said. Archaeologists managed to get into the third pre-Columbian burial chamber, which contained human remains that are likely those of a male, INAH archaeology coordinator Nelly Robles Garcia said.

    The remains will be analyzed to determine the age, nutrition and health of the individual, as well as whether there are intentional deformities of a cultural nature.

    Archaeologists found a fractured skull belonging to another individual next to the remains, leading them to conclude that it may have been an offering.

    A small, black tubular pitcher and pieces of a vessel were also found in the burial chamber. A red urn with a human face on it and other items were found in the grave, archaeologist Eduardo Garcia said. The vessel, which is estimated to date back to 650 A.D. to 850 A.D., is 50 centimeters (1.6 feet) tall, archaeologists said.

    "We are dealing with a building where the remains of people with a very high status were placed. Who they were and what role they played in Zapotec society is still to be determined based on the findings that are being made and their later analysis," Robles said.

    Archaeologists found the building, which was designed exclusively as a burial site, in late April. The tombs are located one on top of the other and, unlike previous discoveries, are not underground.

    Atzompa was a small satellite city of Monte Alban, the main center of the Zapotec state that dominated what today is Oaxaca.

    "This discovery changes the perception we had in the sense that it was not as similar to Monte Alban as had been thought but, instead, developed its own architectural expressions, such as in the case of tombs and palaces," Robles said.

    For more, read: latino.foxnews.com.
    [ Reply to This ]

Greatest Zapoteca Ballgame Court in Atzompa Restored by bat400 on Monday, 12 October 2009
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Submitted by coldrum ---

Four kilometers away from Monte Alban Archaeological Zone, in Oaxaca, experts from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) restored the largest Zapoteca ballgame court found to present, which has special features are niches on its corners.

The 70 meters long structure is located in Atzompa, area where Zapoteca elite of Monte Alban settled between 650 and 850 AD, and where INAH conducts exploration and consolidation tasks at 21 structures found that include another 2 ballgame courts of smaller dimensions.

The large court discovered in the 1930s is the longest in Monte Alban City, which extends over 40 meters. The presence of so many courts at Atzompa represents a mystery for archaeologists since this area was not part of the city.

Archaeologist Nelly Robles, director of the project, informed that Atzompa is to be included in the Monte Alban visit, “at present, 25 per cent of the total area that used to be residential has been explored”.

As part of the 5th Monte Alban Round Table that took place from September 2nd to 5th 2009, Robles, director of Monte Alban Archaeological Zone, mentioned that features that characterize this court, other than its 70 meters length, are the niches on its 4 corners.

“Niches were used to deposit offerings during encounters ritually fought”, she explained, adding that there are other 2 courts in Atzompa that had not been explored yet.

Oaxaca State Government has approved construction of a highway that connects Atzompa with Monte Alban to create a strategic tourist corridor that will benefit Atzompa community.

Nelly Robles informed that Atzompa was built in the last occupation stage; “architecture found here is highly worked, stone and lime used masterly, better than the work at Monte Alban Main Plaza; its conservation state is good”.



For more, including a photograph, see Art Daily.
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