Mused has released another amazing virtual tour. Explore the Maya Temples at Copán Ruinas is an extraordinary 'Street View' tour of the Maya temples at Copan, one of the most significant archaeological sites of the ancient world.
Uncover Copan’s Ancient Past
Nestled in the lush jungles of western Honduras, Copan was once a thriving center of Maya culture, renowned for its artistic achievements, monumental temples, and complex understanding of astronomy. This tour offers a rare opportunity to explore the sacred spaces of Copan from the comfort of your home, including parts of the site usually hidden from the public eye.
Beneath the towering stone structures at Copan Ruinas lies a network of ancient tunnels, which have now been digitally preserved and made accessible online for the first time, revealing secrets of a civilization that flourished over 1,600 years ago. The virtual tour provides an immersive look into Copan’s rich past, starting with the earliest known structures dating back to the 5th century CE.
Each new generation of Maya rulers built over the temples of their predecessors, creating a city of nested monuments - what archaeologists liken to "Russian nesting dolls." The tour reveals how these layers of construction were not just architectural feats, but also reflections of the political and spiritual continuity that defined Maya society.
The Virtual Experience
Among the highlights of this tour are three significant structures: the Margarita Structure, the Rosalila Temple, and the famous Hieroglyphic Stairway. Each of these monuments offers a glimpse into the spiritual and dynastic power of the Maya rulers. The Margarita Structure, adorned with intricate carvings of sacred birds, honors Copan's founder, K’inich Yax K’uk’ Mo’. The Rosalila Temple, perfectly preserved beneath later constructions, stands as a testament to Maya artistry with its vibrant stucco colors and detailed carvings. Meanwhile, the Hieroglyphic Stairway, the longest Maya inscription in existence, chronicles the lineage of Copan’s rulers in stunning detail.
While the visible structures of Copan are magnificent, the virtual tour goes deeper - literally - into the tunnels where archaeologists have uncovered hidden chambers and ancient artifacts. These tunnels, which are normally closed to the public, provide insight into the earlier phases of Copan’s development, long before the grand temples we see today were constructed. This virtual experience not only showcases the extraordinary craftsmanship of the Maya but also highlights the importance of digital preservation in safeguarding these fragile treasures for future generations.
Bringing the Past to Life with 3D Technology
The online tour of the Maya temples at Copan was created using advanced 3D scanning techniques and the Matterport SDK, combined with the Three.js JavaScript library for rendering. Over the course of two years, a dedicated team worked onsite to gather detailed imagery and spatial data from the ancient tunnels and temples using high-precision scanners. This data was then processed into 3D models, allowing for accurate, immersive virtual representations of the site. The Matterport SDK was used to integrate these models into an interactive, web-based platform, while Three.js facilitated the smooth rendering of the complex geometries and textures, enabling users to explore Copan’s hidden architectural layers and intricate carvings, almost as if walking through the site in real life.
Mused has previously published a number of amazing virtual tours of other important archeological sites around the world. These include:
The Tomb of Ramesses I
The Great Sphinx of Giza
The Tomb of Nefertari
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