15. 04. 2014.

UNESCO - Maya Site Of Copan, Honduras



Copán was one of the most important cities of the Mayan civilisation, whose great Classical period lasted from AD 300-900. The archaeological remains reveal the three main stages of development, during which evolved the temples, plazas, altar complexes and ball courts that can be seen today, before the city was abandoned in the early 10th century.
1st postcard shows one side of a ballcourt - such structures were used in Mesoamerica for over 2700 years to play the Mesoamerican ballgame, particularly the hip-ball version of the ballgame; but also for other functions.
The first sculpture on the 2nd postcard seems to be one of two simian sculptures on Temple 11, possibly representing Howler Monkey Gods; the other sculpture represents a bat.

Many thanks to Cesar for these great Unesco postcards showing two aspects of the site, and for using such wonderful stamps! These postcards have arrived regularly and fairly quickly :))
 

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