Copan

Copan was a state in Maya Lowlands and Highlands (Mesoamerica and Caribbean) that lasted from 426 to 822 CE, about 396 years. Its people spoke Mayan languages (Classic and Postclassic Maya, K'iche').

Southernmost great Maya kingdom, in western Honduras, founded by Yax K'uk' Mo' in 426. Its Hieroglyphic Stairway holds the longest Maya inscription. Its king was beheaded by Quirigua in 738.

See Copan on the interactive timeline

Facts

Dates

426 to 822 CE

Duration

396 years

Type

State

Region

Maya Lowlands and Highlands, Mesoamerica and Caribbean

Language family

Mayan

Events in Mesoamerica and Caribbean during its time

• 695 Tikal defeats Calakmul

Neighbours in Mesoamerica and Caribbean

• Teotihuacan c. 100 BCE to 550 CE
• Zapotec state (Monte Albán) c. 500 BCE to 850 CE
• Tikal (Mutal) c. 90 to 900 CE
• Kaan kingdom (Calakmul) c. 400 to 900 CE
• Chichen Itza c. 750 to 1200 CE
• Cholula c. 300 BCE to 1519 CE
• Kaminaljuyu c. 800 BCE to 800 CE
• El Tajín (Classic Veracruz) c. 600 to 1200 CE
• Caracol 331 to 859 CE
• Palenque (Baakal) 431 to 799 CE

Elsewhere in the world at the same time

• Republic of Venice c. 697 to 1797 CE, Europe
• Byzantine Empire 395 to 1453 CE, Europe
• Byzantine Empire 395 to 1453 CE, Middle East
• Swahili city-states c. 800 to 1700 CE, Central and Southern Africa
• Ghana Empire (Wagadu) c. 300 to 1200 CE, North and West Africa
• Kingdom of Aksum c. 100 to 940 CE, North and West Africa
• Srivijaya c. 650 to 1377 CE, Southeast Asia
• Moche (Mochica) c. 100 to 800 CE, South America
• Khmer Empire 802 to 1431 CE, Southeast Asia
• Tiwanaku c. 400 to 1000 CE, South America

Questions