Archeologists have found evidence of humans dating to 11,000 BCE, nomadic peoples to 5000 BCE, and agriculture established by 2000 BCE. Ruins at Monte Alban and Mitla sites reveal one of the earliest cities of Mesoamerica as the center of the Zapotec 500 BCE to 1000 CE. Sophisticated building, writing, calendar and agricultural irrigation led to an elite society and growing urban population. The skull with the turquoise mosaic came from Monte Alban, a rare ritual object representing the lord of the underworld.
Later the Mixtec, Aztecs and the Spanish invaders and missionaries all came to the area over time. Its colonial buildings combined with its ancient and Mexican history (two Presidents came from this area), innovative textiles and handicrafts, and gastronomy such as mole negro have led to its global popularity. Large friendly skeleton figures and colorful buildings decorate the old town not only on the popular Mexican holiday of "El Dia de los Muertos" but throughout the year.
