System IV is one of three more or less symmetrical complexes on the west side of the city (which also include System M and the Danzantes structure). This temple complex was built near 450 AD, and is thought to be one of fifteen temples associated with fifteen different barrios at Monte Alban. Barrios are residential units that housed groups of people that shared an economic status or family affiliation. Some barrios at Monte Alban were residences for foreign merchants and elite from places such as Teotihucan.

The stone slab seen on the right is a stelae which is inscribed with glyphs and a bar dot number system similar to the Mayan writing system. The stelae are thought to relate histories of conquest and deeds preformed by rulers at Monte Alban.

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