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Questions and Answers
Which of the following sites were highlighted by John Lloyd Stephens during his explorations?
What role did Frederick Catherwood play in the exploration of Maya civilization?
Why were many known Maya sites previously unknown before the work of explorers like Stephens and Catherwood?
What is a secondary source in historical research?
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What is the primary purpose of the portrait stelae found in Copan?
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Which feature of the Copan site demonstrates the artistry of ancient Mesoamerica?
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Which ruler is represented by the stone statue at Copan?
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How tall is the significant stone statue at Copan?
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What aspect of Catherwood's work with sculptures at Copan is notable?
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Study Notes
Understanding Sources of Evidence
- Historians rely on primary and secondary sources to understand ancient Maya life.
- Primary sources are evidence from the time of the event, such as photographs or artifacts.
- Secondary sources are created after the event and often use primary sources as evidence, such as textbooks.
- John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood's work in the 1830s revived interest in the ancient Maya civilization.
Key Figures & Expeditions
- Stephens's explorations focused on the Copan and Palenque ruins.
- Catherwood's detailed documentation brought attention to the Maya civilization and their rich history.
- Stephans and Catherwood's work sparked numerous archaeological expeditions in the Maya region.
- Copan, Palenque, Topoxte/Tayasal (known as Islapag), and Tikal (a hidden city) were previously unknown, even to native people, as they had been concealed under mounds of earth for centuries.
Copan Site and Stelae
- Copan is famous for its portrait stelae, located along the city's central plaza pathways and acropolis
- Stelae and architectural decorations exemplify some of the finest surviving artistry of ancient Mesoamerica
- Many structures are adorned with sculptures, typically crafted from carved stones
- A stone statue exceeding three meters in height, dating back to approximately AD 720, is a representation of Copan's prominent ruler, King Waxaklajun Ub'aah K'awiil
- The statue portrays the king in the guise of a maize deity
Pyramidal Building and Fragments of Sculpture at Copan
- Sculptures' remains were not discovered directly in front of the pyramid
- Catherwood created new artwork compositions based on sketches he had made
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Description
Explore the foundation of ancient Maya civilization through key figures like John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood. This quiz examines the types of evidence used by historians, including primary and secondary sources, as well as notable ruins like Copan and Palenque. Test your knowledge of the discoveries that revived interest in the Maya's rich history.
