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Acropolis

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Jose Kevo
Jose Kevo
First Reviewer
5 out of 5
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The Acropolis

  • January 24, 2008
  • Rated 5 of 5 by Jose Kevo from Middle-of-Nowhere, Missouri
The Acropolis

Mental capacities were beyond overload by time I climbed massive hill to the Acropolis. For open range of the city’s lower area, this upper temples area engulfs even the most suspecting. Here is where second thoughts developed about a lot of things, including not hiring a guide. Little is marked or designated; hard to decipher even with a good map and prestudy preparations. Even more mind-boggling, what’s seen doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface!

Archaeologists have determined that Copán had five major building booms beginning around AD200. What’s seen today is final phase completed in the early 800’s. When gazing up at the Acropolis from lower levels, consider if a hill or natural rise in terrain would even be there if Mayans hadn’t kept building on top of the previous structures!

If paying the extra $15 fee, visitors can descend unto depths through a pair of abbreviated tunnels. I didn’t, and have yet to come across any information or review that says its worth extra costs. Ongoing excavations continue to find preserved tombs, shrines and temples of various eras; the sacred Rosalia Temple from AD571 most reputable. Save your money and marvel replica inside the park’s Museum of Sculpture.

Structure 16 was built on top of the Rosalia, and is believed to be the last, great sacred monument before civilization decline. Looking like a giant pyramid, this is the largest intact configuration remaining in the park. No one has yet to determine actual use or purpose. The West Court was used for religious ceremonies, and the most notable "must see" is Altar Q.

Dated to the 9th century, this squared replica is as eerie as intriguing; the original is also in the museum. The four sides contain decorous glyphs of the 16 great Kings of the Copán lineage. Worth noting is the corner where Yax Kuk Mo’, the first king, is handing a scepter to Yax Pac, the final king; almost an irony of prognostication that the end was near for this tribal dynasty.

The East Court, where both tunnel entries can be found, is centered around a sunken ballcourt and gathering area hemmed with rows of stone steps which also served as seating for spectators. Remains of Temple 22, along northern rim, didn’t conjure much image for past splendors. By this point, overwhelming magnitudes no longer mattered.

There seemed to be more statues scattered about but for all the ruins which dominate the Acropolis, it’s the infinite piles of fragments concealing the most interesting treasures. No pile of rubble was too insignificant for spotting sculptures of man and beast; serpent and bird.

There’s no clear-cut outline for exploring the Acropolis; whimsical wanderings best serving purpose. When it all gets to be a bit too much, find your way to the most southern sector. It’s called El Cementerio, but contains foundational evidence of royal and common residences. The sanctuary is shaded and relaxing; perfect for gathering wits before going back for more.

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From journal Puzzled in the Valley of Deference

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