Deep inside the jungles of the Yucatan Peninsula lies the traditional website of Copan, a major metropolis heart of the Mayan Empire that thrived from 2000 BC to 900 AD. This outstanding civilization is famend for its superior information of astronomy, arithmetic, writing, and structure, making it one of many longest-lasting cultures in human historical past. The geographical expanse of the Maya stretched from the northern Yucatan Peninsula all the way down to the Pacific coast of Guatemala, encompassing present-day Mexico and Honduras.
At its peak, Copan spanned roughly ten sq. miles and was house to round 20,000 folks. Nevertheless, by the ninth century, this vibrant metropolis was mysteriously deserted, leaving its ruins to be reclaimed by the dense jungle. Amongst these remnants are intricately carved stone statues, often known as stele, depicting the semi-divine rulers of Copan. These spectacular artifacts, adorned with hieroglyphic inscriptions, provide perception into how the traditional Maya revered the celestial realm, reflecting a perception that the heavens have been mirrored of their earthly constructions.
In October 2019, historic astronaut theorist Giorgio Tsoukalos visited Copan to satisfy with famend Mayan archaeologist David Sanat, who has devoted over three a long time to excavating the positioning. They explored the expansive Nice Plaza, which is bigger than a soccer subject and options the towering stone giants that outline Copan’s panorama. An intriguing side of their exploration led them underground, the place they found tunnels beneath Temple 16, revealing remnants of an older temple often known as Rosalinda.
Throughout this subterranean journey, Tsoukalos encountered stucco figures that sparked his creativeness. He famous a hanging resemblance between one determine and a contemporary astronaut, suggesting that the artist might have depicted an ancestor determine with none idea of up to date house exploration. This connection between historic artistry and potential extraterrestrial affect continues to gas hypothesis and debate amongst historians and fanatics alike. As Copan’s secrets and techniques proceed to unfold, the positioning stays a testomony to the complexities and mysteries of the Mayan civilization.
