The Royal Crypts of Copan

The Royal Crypts of Copan

The Royal Crypts of Copan

In his article The Royal Crypts of Copan, George Stuart explores the ruins of the Mayan culture.   Along with Kenneth Garrett, Christopher Klein, and an archeological team from the University of Pennsylvania Museum, this Chairman of the Committee for Research and Exploration at National Geographic leads his readers through a stunning tour of the ancient crypts in Honduras.   His article can be found in the December 1997 issue of National Geographic (Volume 192, No. 6), between pages 68 and 93.  
George Stuart's first exploration of the city of Copan occurred 25 years earlier, in 1962, when he instantly fell in love with the architecture and artwork of the Mayan people.   The discovery of the remains of a very important Mayan King caused Stuart to return to the site in late 1997.   The author made it very clear that he had a certain attachment with this place, and was very excited to have an excuse to return.  
The discovery was that of the remains of K'inich Yax K'uk' Mo', Sun-eyed Green Quetzal Macaw, the god-king who was revered and referred to in fables as "the founder".   Scholars believe that he was a lord who founded Copan after the downfall of his hometown (believed to be somewhere in the northern region of the Mayan territory).   It is also believed that he is the King who established the dynasty that ruled the region for over 400 years.
The city of Copan is located a few miles east of border between Honduras and Guatemala.   This city was the central kingdom during the Maya Classic period, between 400 and 850 AD.   There stands the Acropolis, a large structure utilized by the Mayan people for parties, gatherings, and religious ceremonies.   There was a ball court, where a soccer-style game was held, rooms for ritual weddings, and even secret courtyards where religious ceremonies, ancestor worship and vision quests would take place.   The Acropolis was built on top of 80 million cubic feet of fill, and located right next to the Copan...