El agua en el cerro del Rayo: nueva evidencia sobre la presencia y manejo del agua en Monte Albán

New evidence reveals that Monte Albán, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Oaxaca, Mexico, was not only a significant archaeological site but also a sophisticated center for water management. A recent hydrological study identified multiple water sources on the site, including run-offs, streams, and springs that flow down Cerro del Rayo to the Atoyac River. Archaeological surveys confirmed the presence of advanced water control technologies such as wells, walls, dams, and canals. This suggests that Monte Albán may have been perceived as a 'hill of sustenance,' akin to an altepetl, a place of worship for Cociyo, the deity associated with lightning and rain. The findings provide deeper insights into the cultural and religious significance of water in this ancient civilization.

Martínez Gracida, A. R. (2018). Water in Cerro del Rayo: New Evidence on Water Presence and Management in Monte Albán. Revista Española de Antropología Americana, 47, 15–42. https://doi.org/10.5209/reaa.61968