Copan Ruinas

Today (Thursday, 10/22), I visited the Mayan ruins of Copan. Copan is known as the cultural center of the Mayan civilizations during the Classical period (200-900 AD). It is believed that people have inhabited this area for well over 3000 years, and as early as 1200 BCE there is evidence of a booming trade industry of various crafts. Around 900 AD, the civilization mysteriously collapsed. It is believed among anthropologists that the reason for the collapse is something not so foreign to problems we face today. The region became so populated that the people could not produce enough food and goods in the immediate area and had to begin importing basic necessities. The area was completely deforested for maximum farming and residential purposes, which led to major erosion and flooding during the rain seasons. This decimated the area's ability to sustain agriculture. Skeletal remains show that people were dying at younger ages, hinting that there was a rampant spread of various diseases.
Whereas Tikal, Guatemala, is known for its towering temples, Copan is known for its intricate sculptures.
New growth sprouting from an ancient temple

From a high temple, looking down to the great plaza




The Heiroglyphic Stairway. This is the longest inscription of Mayan heiroglyphs ever discovered. It documents 400 years of one of Copan's strongest dynesties.

Sorry I can't get these pictures flipped at this moment. If I could, you would be able to read the heiroglyphs, right? Anyway, if you entered the Great Plaza from the East, this tablet is the first thing you would encounter. It reads, roughly: "You are now entering the great square of the people, the holy place, where Waxaklahun Ubaah K'awiil, legitimate successor to "Ruler 12" K'ahk' Uti' Ha' K'awiil and K'inich Yax K'uk Mo', founder of the dynasty, will perform acts of ritual to mark the passage of time which will ensure your lives and prosperity." A little bit cooler than a sign saying, "Vilkomen til Poulsbo."