Copán archaeological site
The Copán archaeological site, located in the Copán Valley of western Honduras, is a significant ancient Maya city known for its cultural and historical importance. At its peak around the eighth century CE, Copán boasted a population of approximately 25,000 people and functioned as a major regional center, linked to larger cities like Tikal and Palenque but maintaining its own autonomy. The site showcases a rich history that began with early settlements around 1400 BCE, influenced by various cultures, including the Olmec from Mexico, before fully embracing Maya traditions during the Classic period from 400 CE. Noteworthy for its hieroglyphic writings and monumental architecture, Copán thrived for centuries, exerting control over a vast area.
However, by the end of the Postclassic period (800-1000 CE), the valley faced significant environmental challenges that led to malnutrition and diseases, contributing to a dramatic population decline and eventual governmental collapse. This decline saw the remaining inhabitants gradually abandon the area, allowing the forest to reclaim the site. Today, Copán stands as a testament to the complexities of ancient Maya civilization, drawing interest from archaeologists and visitors alike.
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Subject Terms
Copán archaeological site
Related civilization: Maya.
Date: 200-900 c.e.
Locale: Western Honduras near the Guatemalan border
Copán
Copán (koh-PAHN), the greatest city of the southeastern Mesoamerica, developed as a small regional center with subordinate cities around it. The Copán Valley reached its peak population of about twenty-five thousand people in the eighth century c.e. Copán had ready access to the great cities lying north and east but was not subordinate to the larger cities of Tikal and Palenque.
The earliest settlement, dating back to 1400 b.c.e., was influenced by cultures from Honduras and Central America, but between 900 and 300 b.c.e., Olmec influence from Mexico can be seen. During the Classic stage beginning in 400 c.e., Maya influence dominated. Hieroglyphic writings and monumental architecture were introduced. For four centuries, Copán grew and controlled a large area.
At the end of the Postclassic stage (800-1000 c.e.), the Copán Valley experienced unprecedented growth that caused environmental deterioration. Malnutrition and diseases reduced the population. The government collapsed. The population decline continued until the remaining few drifted away, and the forest reclaimed the valley.
Bibliography
Fash, William L. Scribes, Warriors, and Kings: The City of Copán and the Ancient Maya. New York: Thames and Hudson, 1991.
Henderson, John S. The World of the Ancient Maya. 2d ed. Ithaca, N.Y.: Cornell University Press, 1997.
Schmidt, Peter, Mercedes de la Garza, and Enrique Nalda, eds. Maya. New York: Rizzoli International, 1998.