System IV Temple Complex
System IV was built late in Monte Alban’s history, in about 400-500 C.E. Development on the temple continued until the collapse of Monte Alban as an economic centre in the 8th or 9th Century, which resulted in the high walls and almost secretive inner sanctum.
System IV makes distinctive use of the talud-tablero architectural style which gives it striking juxtaposition from the other temples around the site. System IV is also offset from the strict north/south axis as though designed to face something else – presumably the exact point the sun rose on the horizon. System IV is almost identical to System M in its patio-temple styling, size and alignment.
