Final answer:
The collapse of Monte Albán marked a period of decline for the Zapotec capital, with factors contributing similar to those affecting other ancient civilizations. The specific causes remain unclear but collapses usually involve intricate combinations of social, political, and environmental factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
After the collapse of Monte Albán, the Zapotec capital saw a decline similar to other historical civilizations. Monte Albán was a significant city for the Zapotec civilization, thriving between 500 BCE and 800 CE. However, like other cities across various cultures and times, it faced a decline due to factors that could include environmental challenges, political instability, or social upheavals.
Historical collapses are often complex and could be the result of multiple overlapping factors, including natural disasters, economic instability, or external invasions. The details specific to the collapse of Monte Albán have not been provided here, but the patterns of decline are seen in many ancient civilizations. What remains clear is that the collapse of a civilization ushers in a period of fragmentation and often a restructuring of power and societal norms, as evidenced by historical records and archaeological findings.