The Ancient Maya

The Classic Period of Maya art and architecture was between 250 – 900 AD. This includes Copan’s Golden Age: 420 - 820 AD. Sixteen rulers guided the fortunes of Copan’s citizens for those 400 years. The massive architecture and refined beauty of the carved stone monuments leaves us a reminder of the greatness of these ancient Americans.

Copan Features:
• Hundreds of beautifully carved glyphs, a testament to one of the first five writing systems ever developed by humankind
• Over 3 km of archaeologists’ tunnels representing the largest example of “arthroscopic archaeology” in the Maya world
• The most deeply and realistically carved portraits of Maya rulers
• The best-preserved Maya temple - “Rosalila”
• The longest text in the pre-Contact Americas - the Hieroglyphic Stairway
• The most renowned history of modern archaeology in the Maya world
• UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 1980.

Rich Culture in a Poor Land: The extensive ancient city moved renowned 19th Century English archaeologist Sylvanus Morley to describe Copan as “the Athens of the New World.”

But in a modern country where per capita income is $810 a year, it is difficult to find the resources to protect and research the site’s unique architecture, sculpture, and artifacts.

The Copan Maya Foundation offers a tax-deductible way to preserve Copan for today’s and future generations. We have an ongoing need for contributions, gifts, and expertise.