Copán, Honduras
The Copán Archaeological Park is one of the most important Mayan sites developed during the Mayan civilization and was considered the political, religious and cultural center of the Mayan southeast region. It was the capital city of a major Classic period from the 5th to 9th centuries A.D., and represents one of the most spectacular achievements of the Classic Maya Period because of the sheer number, magnitude and detailed elaboration of the architectural and sculptural monuments. Copán is in western Honduras located close to the Guatemala border.
The first evidence of people in the Copán Valley dates back to 1500 B.C., but evidence of the first Mayan people dates to around 100 A.D. They were believed to have migrated from the Guatemalan Highlands. In 427 A.D., the Mayan ruler Yax K’uk Mo, started a ruling dynasty that transformed Copan into one of the greatest Maya cities ever developed during the Classic Maya Period and lasted nearly 400-500 years. At the peak of its power during the Late Classic period, the kingdom of Copán had a population of at least 20,000 and covered an area of over 100 square miles. Significant achievements took place during this period, including in astronomy, mathematics and Hieroglyphic writing. But the city was abandoned in the early 10th century.
Copán was discovered in 1570 by Spanish explorer Diego Garcia de Palacio. Since then, it has been visited by French, British and American explorers up to the 20th century. Several archaeological expeditions have been conducted between the 19th and 20th centuries.
Today, Copán is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, declared by UNESCO in 1980.
Recent Portfolios
A Day in Paris
Enchanting Lake Como, Italy
A Day on the Canals of Venice
Leave a reply