Deep throughout the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula lies the traditional metropolis of Copan, a big heart of the Maya civilization, which flourished from 2000 BC to 900 AD. Famend for his or her developments in astronomy, arithmetic, writing, and structure, the Maya established one of many longest-lasting and most expansive civilizations in historical past, stretching from the northern Yucatan to the Pacific coast of Guatemala.
At its peak, Copan was a bustling metropolis, spanning roughly 10 sq. miles and housing round 20,000 inhabitants. Nonetheless, by the ninth century, this thriving metropolis was mysteriously deserted, its grandeur overtaken by the relentless jungle. At present, the positioning is well known for its intricately carved stone statues, generally known as stele, which depict the semi-divine rulers of Copan and are inscribed with hieroglyphic writings that reveal the traditional tradition’s celestial beliefs.
In October 2019, historical astronaut theorist Giorgio Tsoukalos visited Copan to satisfy with esteemed Mayan archaeologist David Sanat, who has devoted over three a long time to the excavation of this outstanding web site. Collectively, they explored the expansive Nice Plaza, which is notably bigger than a soccer discipline, house to the long-lasting stone statues.
The expedition took an enchanting flip when Tsoukalos was invited to delve into the underground tunnels beneath Temple 16. This space revealed a outstanding corbel ceiling and an older construction generally known as Rosalinda, in-built 776 AD. Among the many discoveries have been stucco figures that sparked Tsoukalos’s creativeness, with one specifically resembling an astronaut, full with a helmet and regulator.
This intriguing discover raises questions in regards to the Maya’s understanding of the cosmos and their potential connections to otherworldly influences. As researchers proceed to discover Copan, the traditional web site’s secrets and techniques might make clear the civilization’s profound reverence for the heavens, prompting additional investigation into their extraordinary legacy.
