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Copan ........Europeans first discovered the place in 1576, but by then it had been abandoned for centuries. It isn't clear what caused the complete decline of the city. It could have been a military defeat or a severe drought. But, archaeologists estimate that at its peak in the 8th century, the population of the valley had at least 20,000 inhabitants. |
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the
Acropolis.........
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.........the
view atop the Acropolis
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Thousands
of structures have been discovered in the 27 square kilometer area
that is the primary site of the city. I didn't take a guide. I knew
I would have learned so much more if I had done so. I was certain
it was my loss. However, I was also certain of my gain. Every tour
guide brought his group in a round about way through the ruins site
to the great plaza, the Plaza de las Estelas. I, instead, headed directly
to the great plaza. I was gloriously alone during the entire time
I explored the plaza.
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an
artist's vision of the view from the Acropolis.........
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.........behind
the Acropolis, surrounded by the rainforest
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The pyramids of Chichen Itza and Tikal were larger. My legs hurt for three days after climbing in Tikal. That wasn't a problem in Copán. But, what it lacked in height, Copan made up for with art. The carvings and hieroglyphics far surpassed anything I saw at the other two locations. |
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The
Plaza de las Estelas, with the Stairway on the left and the Acropolis
in the middle
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Click
here to return to the previous
page about Copan.
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Copyright
2014
by Phillip Martin All rights reserved.
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