I can talk about the feelings rushing thru my body when I visited Copan. But I am not going to do that. Nothing I experienced that day can be compared to the stories the ancient inhabitants of this Mayan city already wrote.
The master craftsmen of Copan did not write the astonishing events of their people with ink. They sculptured pictorial words in stone. Many of the carvings completed in the 7th and 8th centuries A.C. are still standing. Modern archeologists are only starting to decipher the Mayan written language. They have been able to read the stories of the people who roamed the Copan Valley many centuries ago.
Copan was an unassuming Mayan city until its 13th ruler 18 Rabbit (Uaxaclajuun Ub’aah K’awiil) took the power. He was the person responsible for elevating the city to ranks similar to other powerful city states (Palenque, Calakmul, Tikal). Art and sculpture flourished during this time.
The Copan we see today is the product of the apogee era (under the rule of 18 Rabbit). Today, I want to show some of the highlights of the Athens of the Mayan World.
The Great Plaza
This is where the stelae (stone slabs carved in relief) are located. Most of them are portraits of 18 Rabbit (how modest he was). The back sides of the stelae are covered in glyphs (written language). There are also covered with small pyramids (mounds) and carved altars. This is the place to take a good look at the supreme skills of Mayan sculptors.
Small pyramid in the Great Plaza
Stela in the Great Plaza
Face detail of stela
Bottom detail of stela (they use to wear sandals)
Original colors in stela
Stela Details
The Ball Court
This is the second largest ball court found in Central America. I like this particular court because the annotation rules were different from what I have seen in other Mayan sites. In places like Chichen Itza, a point was obtained by passing the ball thru a ring in the wall. In Copan, there are three macaw heads at each side of the court. A point was obtained by touching one of the heads with the ball.
Ball Court
Parrot heads in ball court
Hieroglyphic Staircase
It is made up of 63 steps and two thousand glyphs telling the story of the royal house of Copan. The stairway is the site of the longest known text of ancient Mayan civilization. When experts started to study Copan, many of the pieces of the staircase were in the floor or destroyed. Early restorations placed pieces in the incorrect places. The text hasn’t been read yet.
Hieroglyphic Stair
Hieroglyphic stair seen from the side
West Court
This place contains mounds, sculptures and the place where the Rosalila Temple was discovered. The Altar Q depicts the 16 members of the Copan Dynasty. Interesting to see how the last ruler of the city ordered the construction of this altar. It is like he knew he was going to be the last ruler.
West Court
Sculpture in West Court
Altar Q, the 16 kings of the Copan dynasty are sculpted here
Residential or Cementary Group
This is a large complex of overlapping step pyramids, palaces and plazas.
Residential Complex
The Acropolis (East Court)
This is my favorite part of the entire site. The Acropolis was the royal complex at the heart of Copán. The plaza is enclosed by elevated structures. This was the place where the most distinguished residents used to congregate for political, social or entertainment reasons. On one site of the elevated platforms, a giant monster mouth was carved. The ruler of the city used to appear and talk to the multitude from inside the mouth. This was a symbol of his power.
Acropolis
Another view of the acropolis
Mouth of a monster, kings used to talk from “inside the mouth” to the multitude
Statue located close to the Acropolis
Dancing Jaguar
View of the Great Plaza from the Acropolis
This is the characteristic view of the Copan site. It is so famous that it has been printed in the one lempira bill. Don’t miss this view.
Great Plaza seen from the Acropolis
Suggestions
- It is cost effective to hire a guide in the site. The guide fees are regulated by the tourist entity and are not stupid high like in other Mayan places. You can split the cost with other people in your group. If there are not enough people to form a group, wait till other visitors arrive and ask them to form a group with you. Three to four people is good enough to save money but still have a nearly private experience.
- Don’t rush thru the site.
- Bring water and snacks.
- Go prepared for the heat (sunglasses, sunblock, hat, etc.)
Other Things to Do on the Site
- Observe the Scarlet Macaws who have been released in the area
- Visit the tunnels (extra charge, I didn’t visit because I have heard it is not worth it for the price)
- Visit the Museum of Sculpture (extra charge but recommended)
- Visit Las Sepulturas. This is the site of the Elite Mayan houses. The entrance is included with your general ticket.
Have you been to Copan? Let me know in the comments section below.
Ahh I love this. Copan was my first ruins ever so it holds a special place in my heart. I still remember every detail of that day. I loved it so much… oh & the town was so damn cute. You got some great pictures. It’s crazy how much history those stones hold and how long they have lasted!!!
Jaime recently posted..Why you should visit the “OTHER” pyramids in Egypt & how.
Yes, the town is the bomb. I loved it. I could have stayed in the area for weeks. As a matter of fact, I want to go back even though mosquitos were really agressive.
Ruth recently posted..First Impressions of Morro Bay
Great places, great pics. Loved this, Ruth!
Christopher recently posted..A Strandkorb on the Baltic Sea
Cool!! Have you been to Copan?
Ruth recently posted..First Impressions of Morro Bay