Message #255213

[Rumbuc]

Copán

On the other side of Honduras from the recently discovered ruins, the Mayans built Copán, a city that some call the Athens of Mesoamerica because of its exquisitely carved sculptures.

After 2000 years of occupation, the political structure of the city collapsed in the 800's A.D., possibly due to overpopulation and environmental collapse. Pollen samples show that farms around Copán had crept up the steep surrounding hillsides. This not only reduced the amount of wood for buildings and cooking fires, it also left the denuded slopes open to erosion and landslides.

The area was never completely abandoned, but many of the finely carved statues fell and were buried in sediments from the nearby river. Some of the statues now now bear scars from where plows scraped against them as locals continued to work the land. Other carved stones from the region were re-purposed as building materials in the dwellings of the local farmers.

The former beauty of the city was largely forgotten after the Spanish conquest. A few explorers sent back tales of the intricate artwork during the 19th century, including writer and diplomat John Lloyd Stephens and illustrator Frederick Catherwood. Their book "Incidents of Travel in Central America, Chiapas and Yucatán" helped to popularize the ruins and turn it into an international tourist destination.

While exploring the region, Stephens reportedly bought all of the ruins of Copán for $50, though he never capitalized on his investment.
Tim Wall