Maya Site of Copan

科潘玛雅古迹遗址

🇮🇹 Honduras📅 1980 Inscribed

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Discovered in 1570 by Diego García de Palacio, the ruins of Copán, one of the most important sites of the Mayan civilization, were not excavated until the 19th century. The ruined citadel and imposing public squares reveal the three main stages of development before the city was abandoned in the early 10th century.

Insight I

The second World Heritage Site of the Maya civilization (the first being No. 24, Tikal). The origins of Copan are closely connected with Tikal. The hieroglyphic text on Altar Q recounts the enthronement of its first ruler, K'inich Yax K'uk' Mo'.

Insight II

The monuments of Copan represent the pinnacle of Maya sculptural artistry, having attained a high degree of perfection, as noted by UNESCO.