Zapotec, << ZAH puh tehk, >> are a Native American people who developed an empire in what is now the state of Oaxaca in southern Mexico from about 1500 B.C. to A.D. 750. There, they built their capital city, Monte Albán, on a mountaintop. The city had a ceremonial district that included temples and a ball court. Numerous elaborate tombs and many urns with human features have been found at the site of Monte Albán. The Zapotec also produced the earliest written texts in Middle America. They carved on stone slabs records of conquests, sacrifices, and relations with other peoples. After the disintegration of their empire, the Zapotec abandoned Monte Albán. But a number of smaller Zapotec kingdoms developed. Mixtec people gained control of several of these kingdoms by conquering or marrying into Zapotec ruling families. Some of the kingdoms were conquered by the Aztec.
Thousands of Zapotec still live in the state of Oaxaca and speak Zapotec dialects. Most are farmers. Some Zapotec are also skilled potters and weavers. Their products are sold worldwide.
