Copan II: The Late Classic, Terminal Classic, and Postclassic Periods

In this session, scholars present new data on the Copan Valley, and other closely-linked sites, in the latter half of the Late Classic period, and during the Postclassic period. The most important ruler of this era was Ruler 16, Yax Pasaj Chan Yopaat, who governed for 47 years. Following his death, only one unfinished monument was dedicated, Altar L, which features Ukit Took’, the 17th Ruler. Debates exist as to the potential causes of the cessation of the construction of monumental architecture at Copan and the large demographic drop that occurs in the ninth century CE. Scholars have questioned whether Copan was completely abandoned and if so, when, as well as investigated to what degree the hinterlands were or weren’t abandoned. New work on ceramics, lithics, the environment, and recent excavations will add to the ongoing conversation concerning Copan’s ancient and more recent past. Rather than review previous hypotheses, researchers will present new data concerning Copan. The Postclassic history of the valley, in particular, has benefited in the last decade from the excavation of post-collapse occupations such as at the site of Rastrojon and around the center of Rio Amarillo.