In the Valley of Oaxaca, located in the Southern highlands of Mesoamerica, an indigenous, pre-Columbian civilization, known as the Zapotec civilization or the “Cloud People”, flourished around 2,500 years ago. They left behind impressive ruins and provided a lasting influence on the many cultures that superseded them. Does the Cascajal Block provide evidence of a written language of the Olmecs? Searching for the Lost Subterranean Worlds of Mitla, Mexico The Rise and Population Growth of the Zapotecs During the Monte Alban 1 phase (400–100 BC), the Zapotec civilization began to form in the Oaxaca Valley. They were the largest indigenous group in Oaxaca, with populations reaching approximately 350,000 at their height. Members of the Zapotec civilization created and developed a powerful state system that went through periods of development and decline.  The Zapotecs can be divided into three distinct groups - the Valley Zapotec (in the Valley of Oaxaca), the Sierra Zapotec (to the north), and the Southern Zapotec (in the south and east, near the Isthmus of Tehuantepec). The peoples were primarily peasant farmers, living in communities of approximately 5,000. Read moreSection: NewsAncient PlacesAmericasHistoryFamous PeopleRead Later