The Zapotecs were known as the “Cloud People” and were settled in the southern highlands of central Mesoamerica, in the valley of Oaxaca. They constructed their first capitol, Monte Alban around 500 BCE and traded with numerous cultures like the Olmec, Teotihuacan, and Maya civilizations. The Zapotecs had a large variety of agriculture, and this allowed them to trade with the Olmec civilization, and eventually build an impressive capital site at Monte Alban. The Zapotecs were divided into three separate groups; the Valley Zapotec, Sierra Zapotec, and Southern Zapotec. Close to the end of the Preclassic period, Zapotec cities showed a high level of innovation in architecture. The culture also improved on their art, writing, and engineering.