Dainzú

Dainzú is a Zapotec archaeological site located in the eastern side of the Valles Centrales de Oaxaca, about 20 km south-east of the city of Oaxaca, Oaxaca State, Mexico. It is an ancient village near to and contemporary with Monte Albán and Mitla, with an earlier development. Dainzú was first occupied 700-600 BC but the main phase of occupation dates from about 200 BC to 350 AD. The site was excavated in 1965 by Mexican archaeologist Ignacio Bernal. The original name of this town is unknown. The archaeological site is named from the word Dannizhú, used by ancient inhabitants to refer the site, at the time when Bernal made local inquiries. "Dainzú" means hill of the organ cactus in Zapotec, it is formed from two Zapotec words: danni meaning "hill" and zu meaning "organ cactus". Another name used for the archaeological site is "Quiabelagayo" (Zapotec language) that means "Cinco Flores” (Five flowers). The also means Macuilxochitl, which is part of the name of the town closest to Dainzú. The founding chronology of Dainzú is uncertain. However, it seems possible that the site was occupied some centuries before the foundation of Monte Albán, as evidenced by the corresponding Rosario Phase ceramics found in the Oaxaca central valleys (700 – 500 BCE). At that time, Dainzú was one of the main villages of Tlacolula Valley. It was contemporary of other important population centers such as San José Mogote at the Etla Valley. As was the case with the rest of the villages from the region, Dainzú must have contributed in the foundation of Monte Albán. The Monte Albán construction was a milestone that contributed to the population decline in the zone, Dainzú population decreased around 200 BCE. In spite of Monte Albán important flourishing, Dainzú kept a dynamic of its own and positioned itself as one of the most important cities during the Classical Mesoamerican period. Finally the decline of Monte Albán caused relations reshuffling between the villages of the region, which also affected Dainzú and caused its decline.