A Model for Late Classic Community Structure at Copán, Honduras

Research at Copán, Honduras, reveals a nuanced understanding of Late Classic Maya community structure through the analysis of Structure 10L-22A. The study proposes that the term 'Popol Na' or 'Popol Otot,' historically translated as 'council house' or 'community house,' reflects the communal and governance functions of this architectural feature. By synthesizing colonial-era accounts, such as those by Diego de Landa and Pedro Moran, with modern archaeological insights, the research offers a model that aligns with earlier observations of Maya social organization, particularly in relation to Kurjack's reconstruction of Dzibilchaltun. This approach bridges historical documentation and contemporary archaeology to elucidate the societal dynamics of Copán during its peak period.

Stomper, J. A. (2018). A Model for Late Classic Community Structure at Copán, Honduras. Landscape and Power in Ancient Mesoamerica, 197–229. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429499418-8