Stephens and Catherwood named the sculptures idols and altars, assuming they were carvings of gods with sacrificial stones. Now we call them “stelae” and altars, and understand that these limestone ...

The Copan Ruins, though not the largest Mayan city, is the largest learning center within the ruins. The ruins boast archeological extravagance, hieroglyphics, intricate sculptures, and advances ...

An exhibit at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., entitled "Courtly Art of the Ancient Maya," highlighted the ...

He also holds a scepter with two protruding serpent heads. When Stephens and Catherwood excavated this sculpture, the dress and the absence of a beard led them to believe this was a woman. Yet Maya ...

The ancient Maya also mastered astronomy, mathematics, art and architecture, and a glyph system of writing on stone, ceramics, and paper. Using the labels on or below the map below, visit 15 of ...

Lying in a reflective pool of water in front of a tumultuous background, a broken sculpture is dramatically lit. The serenity of the idol’s expression and the seeming permanence of the stone ...