By this time, the Zapotec were led by Cosijoeza with the government in Zaachila in the latter 15th century.
By the Late Classic (Monte Albán IIIB/IV, ca. AD 500-1000) the site's influence outside and inside the valley declined, and elites at several other centers, once part of the Monte Albán state, began to assert their autonomy, including sites such as Cuilapan and Zaachila in the Valle Grande and Lambityeco, Mitla, and El Palmillo in the eastern Tlacolula arm.
The last two rulers of the Zaachila Zapotecs were Cosijoeza and Cosijopii, who were father and son.