World Heritage Identification Number: 129
World Heritage since: 1980
Category: Cultural Heritage
WHE Type: Archaeological Sites
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇭🇳 Honduras
Continent: Americas
UNESCO World Region: Latin America and the Caribbean
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The Maya Site of Copan: A Window into Ancient Civilization
The Maya Site of Copan, located in the Copán Department of western Honduras, is a captivating testament to the rich history and cultural achievements of the ancient Maya civilization. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980, this significant archaeological site offers a unique glimpse into the complex society that thrived in the region between the 5th and 9th centuries CE.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
Discovered in 1570 by Diego García de Palacio, the ruins of Copán, one of the most important sites of the Mayan civilization, were not excavated until the 19th century. The ruined citadel and imposing public squares reveal the three main stages of development before the city was abandoned in the early 10th century.
UNESCO Justification of the World Heritage Site
Criterion (iv): The design of the, with its temples, plazas, terraces and other features, represent a type of architectural and sculptural complex among the most characteristic of the Classic Maya Civilization. The Maya site of Copan represents one of the most spectacular achievements of the Classic Maya Period because of the number, elaboration and magnitude of its architectural and sculptural monuments. The stelae and altars at the Plaza form one of the most beautiful sculpture ensembles in the region. In both the design and execution of monuments, the Maya bequeathed a unique example of their creative genius and advanced civilization at Copan.
Criterion (vi): The lengthy inscription on the Hieroglyphic Stairway, the longest inscribed text in the Maya region, is of considerable historic significance for the site, and for a wider cultural area.
Encyclopedia Record: Copán
Copán is an archaeological site of the Maya civilization in the Copán Department of western Honduras, not far from the border with Guatemala. It is one of the most important sites of the Maya civilization, which was not excavated until the 19th century. The ruined citadel and imposing public squares reveal the three main stages of development before the city was abandoned in the early 10th century.Additional Site Details
Area: 15.095 hectares
Number of Components: 1
(vi) — Directly associated with events or living traditions
Coordinates: 14.85 , -89.13333
