The ridge upon which Monte Alban was built was artificially constructed; sculpted and filled to create a series of platforms upon which the impressive architecture was constructed. The settlement area includes 40 square km of public buildings, terraces and housing zones. Excavation of the households suggest that Monte Alban was inhabited by 30,000 to 50,000 people between 200-700 AD.

The development of Monte Alban was undertaken in several stages. These are divided into Monte Alban I through Monte Alban III. The Monte Alban I construction is mostly buried beneath later platforms. The Danzantes mound remains from this period with the strange stone bas-reliefs that we will see later. Monte Alban II construction was minimal, however it was at this time that the mysterious Building J was built. The florescence of Zapotec culture took place during the Monte Alban III phase, which witnessed the construction of the major temples and a ball court. By the end on Monte Alban III (700AD) the Zapotecs abandoned the city, though the culture continued to evolve in the valley at sites, such as Mitla.