Copan takes us to what can possibly be called the Mayan world of rituals and ceremonies. This was basically a religious center inhabited by priests and other members of the Lowland Maya ruling class.
This culture, which reached its pinnacle during the period between A.D. 600 and 800, was nurtured by a chain of city-states running south from the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico to Honduras.
Today, on a tour of Copan, one comes face to face with the mammoth pyramids, streets and causeways, each replete with tales of humiliation and torture perpetrated on the captured rivals as well as the bizarre rituals of a bestial nature, where the rulers cut or pierced the ears, cheeks, tongues and genitals of the captives.
However, the most interesting part of your visit to Copan is the Ballcourt - the place where teams played a rubber ball game in front of spectators from the royal family. Another must see is the Hieroglyphic Stairway, depicting the royal lineage of Copan.
Where is Copan?
Copan is located in western Honduras, just 5 miles from Guatemala.
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