Ruined ancient Maya city, Honduras.
It lies near the Guatemalan border on the bank of the Copán River, about 35 mi (55 km) from modern Santa Rosa de Copán. An important centre of Mayan art and astronomy during the Classic Period ( 0441; 300 0441; 900), it was at its peak in the 8th century and may have been home to as many as 20,000 people. The site consists of stone temples, two large pyramids, several stairways and plazas, and a ball court and is particularly noted for the friezes on its buildings. The Maya had completely abandoned the site by 0441; 1200.
Stela with portrait sculpture, Copán, Honduras.
Walter Aguiar/EB Inc.