| Copán's most famous monument
is the Hieroglyphic Stairway, whose 63 steps leads up the side of a temple.
Each stone that comprises the steps is carved with glyphs that together
describe the history of the royal house of Copán. The steps are bordered
by ramps inscribed with still more glyphs. The story is not completely
understood because the stairway was partially ruined and some stones moved.
At the base of the stairway stands a stelea (AD 756) with a figure of
the ruler who built the stairway. The glyphs on it describe a solar eclipse
in that year. The stairway is now covered to protect it. |
