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Ascending one structure is the hieroglyphic stairway,
the New World's longest inscribed Pre-Colombian text. Currently, the Acropolis
is the site of archaeological research, and evidence of the enormous excavation
efforts can be seen at the base of many of these structures. The most
impressive substructure discovered here is the Rosalila Temple, and for
the first time ever one of the access tunnels has been opened to the public,
allowing an archaeologist's view of a portion of Rosalila. Deeper still,
below Rosalila, the Margarita temple is yielding information about the
mystery-shrouded early years of the Copan dynasty.
A healthy walk from the Great Plaza and the Acropolis
is the Las Sepulturas residential zone. Although far more modest than
the Acropolis structures, excavations of these low buildings has provided
a wealth of information about the domestic life of the Maya of Copan.
The Copan Sculpture Museum offers a dramatic way to learn
about the Copan Maya. Entry to this world class museum is gained by walking
into the gaping mouth of a Maya serpent and through a long, dark, winding
tunnel, representing both the recent excavated tunnels dug into the Acropolis
by archaeologists, and also a symbolic journey into the mythic Maya underworld.
Rounding the last bend, the tunnel opens out upon the impressive four-story
reproduction of the Rosalila Temple, one of Copan's most stunning recent
discoveries.
Rosalila is the centerpiece of this enormous museum, which
houses nearly all of the important original sculptures in the park. All
of the stela, altars and even whole facades are being transferred to the
museum, to protect them from the erosive effects of rain and solar radiation,
and at the same time arranging them together in an easily accessible,
well interpreted presentation. The move will not affect the visitor's
experience in the archaeological park because an indistinguishable replica
created with molds made from the original replaces every sculpture.
Secrets once safe beneath mountains of rubble have yielded
to meticulous excavations and thoughtful interpretation. After decades
of archaeological investigation, Copan's royal tombs and amazing sculpture
provide us with a glimpse into "Maya mind."
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