Copán — Hieroglyphic Stairway North Balustrade (Honduras)
Copan N Balustrade
Bronze Age to Classical (2000 BCE–500 CE)·Multi-period temple culture; Maya·🇭🇳 Copán, Copán Ruinas, Honduras
About
About Copán — Hieroglyphic Stairway North Balustrade (Honduras)
Copán — Hieroglyphic Stairway North Balustrade (Honduras) in Copán, Copán Ruinas, Honduras is a Bronze Age to Classical (2000 BCE–500 CE) temple complex attributed to Multi-period temple culture. Systematic survey and magnetometry document radiocarbon sequence. The site includes a principal necropolis and ancillary necropolis. Dimensions temple 32 m × 18 m; court 45 m × 30 m; area 18.7 ha. Excavation partially-excavated; condition ruins. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans available.
Why it mattersKey Multi-period temple culture temple-complex with stratified sequence and landscape setting at 600 m elevation.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology and phasing
- 02Function and labor organization
Theories
- 01Elite residence hypothesis
- 02Ceremonial centre
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 1500 BCE
- Period
- Bronze Age to Classical (2000 BCE–500 CE)
- Culture
- Multi-period temple culture; Maya
- Builders
- Multi-period temple culture
- Purpose
- Temple and sanctuary complex
- Rediscovered
- 1999
- Excavation
- Partially excavated
c. 1500 BCE
Initial construction / foundation
c. 951 BCE
Major refurbishment / second phase
1934
Antiquarian record, modern excavation from 1960s
On the ground
Structures & features
14.8400° N · 89.1400° W · 600 m · 4 mapped features
- Main Temple CellacellaMain Temple Cella at Copán — Hieroglyphic Stairway North Balustrade (Honduras) — cella with stratified deposits14.8404° N · 89.1415° W
- North Court AncillarycourtNorth Court Ancillary at Copán — Hieroglyphic Stairway North Balustrade (Honduras) — court with stratified deposits14.8409° N · 89.1394° W
- Pylon GatepylonPylon Gate at Copán — Hieroglyphic Stairway North Balustrade (Honduras) — pylon with stratified deposits14.8392° N · 89.1378° W
- Altar PlatformaltarAltar Platform at Copán — Hieroglyphic Stairway North Balustrade (Honduras) — altar with stratified deposits14.8401° N · 89.1380° W
Gallery