Deep throughout the jungles of the Yucatán Peninsula lies the traditional metropolis of Copan, a major middle of the Mayan civilization, which flourished from 2000 BC to 900 AD. Famend for his or her developments in astronomy, arithmetic, writing, and structure, the Maya are thought-about one of many longest-lasting and most intensive civilizations in historical past. At its peak, Copan spanned roughly ten sq. miles and was house to round 20,000 inhabitants. Nevertheless, by the ninth century, town was mysteriously deserted and reclaimed by dense jungle overgrowth.

The ruins of Copan are marked by intricately carved stone statues, often called stele, that depict the semi-divine rulers of town. These monumental figures, adorned with hieroglyphic inscriptions, supply a glimpse into how the traditional Maya revered celestial our bodies and their significance in every day life. Archaeologists agree that the structure at Copan displays a deep connection between the earthly realm and the cosmos, representing a profound understanding of celestial phenomena.

In October 2019, historical astronaut theorist Giorgio A. Tsoukalos visited Copan to fulfill with distinguished Mayan archaeologist David Sanhart, who has devoted over thirty years to excavating the location. The pair explored an enormous plaza, bigger than a soccer area, which accommodates lots of Copan’s spectacular stone carvings. Additionally they ventured into the underground tunnels beneath Temple 16, the place archaeologists unearthed an older construction, often called Rosalinda Temple, believed to this point again to 776 AD.

Throughout their exploration, Tsoukalos encountered stucco figures that sparked his creativeness. One specific determine, resembling a humanoid in a helmet, prompted Tsoukalos to attract parallels to trendy astronauts, suggesting that historical cultures might need depicted aliens with out totally understanding their illustration. This concept provides a layer of intrigue to Copan’s already enigmatic legacy, as researchers proceed to decode the messages hidden inside these historical stones. As curiosity in Copan grows, it stays a significant piece of the puzzle in understanding the interaction between historical civilizations and the cosmos.