Four more than four centuries, kings of the ancient Mayas at Copán, Honduras, recorded their exploits, carved into rock, now deciphered and revealed in majestic detail.

Learning Objective

Students will learn about the archaeologic monuments of Copán, Honduras.

Social Studies Standards

People, Places & Environment: E, G, H

Discussion Prompts

• Why were 30-40 percent of the residents of Copán originally from other places? What factors drew them to Copán?
• How does the inscription on the monuments demonstrate evidence of social unrest? What do the monuments in your area reflect?
• What does an archaeologist do? What skills and knowledge were needed to be successful in this career?
• Why is Copán considered a world heritage site? Why does the lead archeologist refer to it as a layer of the onion? Share your own metaphor that represents Copán.

Lesson Activities

• Research the archaeology of Copán, Honduras. Include information about both the pyramids and the hieroglyphic stairway in a product of your choice.
• Draw a new and unique design for a nesting or feeding platform for the macaw. Your design should be practical, useful, and artistic to help celebrate the importance of the macaw.
• Research the tunnels in Copán by reviewing information and images. Imagine you are traveling through these tunnels and write a first-person account of your journey.
• Create a visual timeline of the kings who are mentioned in this video. Include the time period when they lived, major achievements, and major events that occurred during their lifetime.

Vocabulary

• chronicles
• inscriptions
• jade
• legacy
• looted
• nomenclature
• preserved
• staggering
• succession
• thatched

Download

In the Americas Season 11 Lesson Episode 2