stone and rebuilt over time. The process of rebuilding left redeposit soil several meters deep good for crops. The terrace systems go along down the mountainside and down into the valley floor 500 m down. The main crop being grown on these terraces was predominately maize. The height of the terraces restricted growing season due to frost. Ceramics Monte Negro has ceramics similar, based on clay composition, to Monte Alban. Recent radiocarbon dates suggest that Monte Negro could have predated Monte Alban. Tanware including jars, cucharas (spoons), comales (tortilla griddles), and bowls were found with red, and black-on-red paintings. Grayware also decorated with red and black paintings were found and are most likely imported from Oaxaca. Post-classic ceramics were also found throughout the terraces. These ceramics included “creamware” bowls and jars. The creamware has a distinct yellow to yellow-orange color. References Municipalities of Oaxaca