# data[].attributes.body
The Middle Formative period. The Zapotec state formed in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca in Monte Albán. This consolidation of power began outward political expansion during the late 200 BC

# data[].attributes.body
Zapotec rulers from Monte Albán seized control of provinces outside the valley of Oaxaca with their superior military and political clout, which quickly overtook less-developed local entities.

# data[].attributes.body
The Late Classic period. The Zapotecs had extended their influence, from Quiotepec in the North to Ocelotepec and Chiltepec in the South. The religious and cultural city of Monte Albán had become the largest city in what are today the southern Mexican highlands. This powerful city retained this status until approximately 700 AD.

# data[].attributes.body
Zapotec culture (Early Post-Classic) pays witness to the decline of the empire, and the gradual abandonment of most of the Zapotec sites. The importance and habitation of Monte Alban gradually fades as a new, smaller capital replaces it (Monte Alban IV, AD 900-1350). The replacement is Mitla, in the eastern part of the Valley of Oaxaca, which they know as Lyobaa, 'place of rest'. The precise reasons for the decline are uncertain, but it is well known that the Mayans and Teotihuacan undergo a similar decline in the same general period so the effect must be a widespread one. Inter-state conflict increases, a sure sign that resources are becoming scarce.

# data[].attributes.body
Monte Alban and Mitla were taken from the Zapotec. The empire founded/rebuild another city which is named Zaachila after its ruler. It becomes the last Zapotec capital after Mitla, but later taken by Mixtecs.

# data[].attributes.body
Another Zapotec kingdom is Xaltepec, which is located in the tropical rain forest in the northeast of Zapotec territory. This has a dependency named Nanacatepec located directly to the south. This city is more basic, consisting of peasants.

# data[].attributes.body
Phase 5 (the 'Late Post-Classic') the arrival of the Mixtec, who occupy some former Zapotec sites which include Monte Alban and, eventually, Mitla. A far more drought happens causing northerly regions of Mesoamerica are similarly affected, triggering migrations. The Zapotec declined but were still capable of fighting to defend their land. Zapotec society is rebuilt to an extent, and both peoples also come into conflict with the growing power of the Aztecs to the north.

# data[].attributes.body
The Aztec emperor Ahuitzotlis (empire builder) doubled twice as much as the size of his territory. He wanted to conquer the Zapotec peoples during his reign. During this time period, it was the last Aztec-Zapotec battle. With the latter now being a conquered people, they remain subservient to the Aztecs until the arrival of the Spainsh

# data[].attributes.body
Several campaigns are required before the Spanish can say for certain that they have subdued the rest of the Zapotec.

# data[].attributes.body
News arrives that the Spanish conquered the Aztec empire. The ruler tells his people not to show any resistance. On 24 April 1522, Fray Bartolomé de Olmedo, along with Pedro de Alvarado go to Tehuantepec. Cosijopii, the son of the late king and a relative of the late Aztec Emperor Moctezuma II, receives them with open arms and 'embraced the Catholic Faith'. He remains on the throne, as a Spanish ally, but it is clear where his true power resides.

# data[].attributes.body
Main Zapotec cities may have opened their gates to the newcomers but the Sierra Zapotec to the north are in a state of total war. The Bixanos Zapotec community of Choapan, which counts as allies to Comaltepec and Latani. This alliance is led by a powerful cacique (chief) called Tela and his son, Theolao, and various cadet branches of illustrious royal forbears. Comaltepec and several other towns during its expansion, be at war with its Zapotec neighbours even after the Spainsh arrival. But later the Zapotec have united in the face of a greater threat as they are also at war with the neighbouring Mixtecs

# data[].attributes.body
Cocijopi Xolo seemingly remains on the Zapotec throne, his lack of resistance to the Spanish still leads to others assuming the mantle of resistance leader, most notably Nucano.

# data[].attributes.body
During this time period there was a Chichimeca War (1550-1591) between the Zapotec and Spanish. It takes considerable effort on the part of the new masters of central America to restore control.

# data[].attributes.body
A final revolt takes place, it was a weak effort after two centuries of Spanish rule resulted in the Zapotec population falling from around 450,000 to 35,000, due to disease from Spainsh.

# data[].attributes.body
Modern Zapotec population stands at around 300,000, with most of them still living in the Oaxaca region and most still speaking Zapotec (with low literacy levels and a poor grasp of Spanish, or none at all).