Mayan archaeological site of Copán, Honduras
In a quiet valley in western Honduras stand the ruins of Copán, one of the jewels of the ancient Mayan civilization. His sky served as a compass and calendar, guiding temples, rituals, and the rhythm of life. Around 426 AD, K'inich Yax K'uk' Mo', a warrior of the Mayan heart, founded the city and established a dynasty that turned Copán into a center of art, astronomy, and power.
At its heart stand two monuments that tell its history in stone: the Hieroglyphic Staircase and the Altar Q. The staircase, with 63 steps and more than 2,000 glyphs, is the longest known Mayan inscription, and narrates ceremonies and reigns that marked the greatness of the city. Next to it, the Altar Q portrays 16 rulers, immortalizing centuries of legacy.
Rediscovered in the 19th century and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, Copán continues to amaze archaeologists and travelers. Did you know that some Mayan symbols bear similarities to signs used by ancient Iberian cultures? To visit Copán is to travel to the past and discover how art can defy time.
Mayan archaeological site in the Copán Forest
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