The site was baptized by Ignacio Bernal as Dainzú, to learn that the inhabitants of the area knew him Dannizhú with a similar name in Zapotec language referring to "hill of bodies" by vegetation in it. He is also credited Quiebelagayo name Zapotec synonymous with the Nahuatl word Macuilxóchitl or "five flowers". Oliveros Macuilxóchitl proposes that the most appropriate, as well as being the name of the current population under which lie the remains of the residential area of the site, "May Flower" is the name of one of the major deities of the practice game Ball, widely represented in Dainzú activity. Importance Cultural Dainzú is a Zapotec settlement, located in the Valley of Tlacolula. Although it is contemporary with Monte Alban, its foundation dating from before the foundation of the city. For that period (seventh century V a. C.), it was contemporary with other sites settled in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca, as San José Mogote.However the emergence of Monte Alban as the dominant city in the region Dainzú could remain an important settlement during the Classic period, but finally fell with Monte Alban. Dainzú buildings were adapted to the topography and all monumental center appears to be "recharged" in the hillside. The architectural ensembles consisting of stepped platforms of probable religious use. One at the bottom has a set of reliefs depicting mostly ballplayers and reminiscent of those in the building of Los Danzantes in Monte Alban. Other sets consist of housing platforms for religious use and a Ballgame. Chronology: 750. 1200 C. d. C. Location main chronological: Late Preclassic to Early Classic 600. C. 300 d.

Hours: Monday to Sunday from 8:00 to 17:00 pm.

Contact: Centro INAH Oaxaca 01 (951) 5 13 33 46.

The main allure of the ancient Zapotec site of dainzu resides in its raw appeal, just over 20km from Oaxaca on Hwy-190 and some 7km on from Tule, Dainzú stands partially excavated in a harsh landscape of cactus-covered hills around 1km south of the main road. It was established around 700–600 BC, and carvings here are reminiscent in style, rather than scale, of Los Danzantes at Monte Albán, most notably at Edificio A, a tomb adorned with a magnificently carved jaguar head. It’s the first structure you come across on entering the site, a large, rambling construction set around a courtyard and with elements from several epochs. Nearby is the ball-court, only one side of which has been reconstructed. Higher up the hill, Edificio B is the best-preserved part of the site; along the far side of its base a series of dancer figures can be made out, similar to the Monte Albán dancers except that these clearly represent ball-players.

To reach the Panamerican Highway 190 going towards Mitla is taken, 20 kilometers paved is a deviation to the right that leads to the monuments. Visitors can reach the site by public transport, a bus from Oaxaca City to be addressed to Mitla is taken; however, it is necessary to walk from the road to the site entrance.