Chapter XII: Section II: The Ruins of Copan

"They are in the district of country now known as the state of Honduras, one of the most fertile valleys of Central America." Their precise locality was stated in the last section, with the exception that their distance from the sea is about "three hundred miles."

"The Copan river is not navigable, even for canoes, except for a short distance in the rainy season."

This is a description of the River now (1843), and not as it may have appeared at the time of erecting the edifices.

"Falls intercept its course before it empties into the Montagua."

As a principle of military defence the site was well chosen, for the barrier of the falls would prevent the approach of an enemy to the city by the river from the Atlantic.

"The extent of the Ruins along the river, as ascertained by monuments still found, is _more than two miles_. There is one monument (or ruin) on the opposite side of the river, at the distance of a mile, on the top of a mountain two thousand feet high. Whether the city ever crossed the river, and extended to that monument it is impossible to say; I believe not."

So do we,--and that belief instructs us in the seeming fact of another means of military defence; for from the locality and height of the mountain it is almost evident that the "monument" was used as a watch-tower, and consequently from that elevated point a complete view was obtained of all the approaches to the city. These facts illustrate (seemingly at least) that the Aborigines had a knowledge of military security as well as that of architecture; and as we believe that Copan was the first city built in the Western Hemisphere, these considerations will be of importance in identifying. The reader will understand ("once for all") that no hint, even the most remote, is derived from Mr. Stephens's work (or any other) towards the formation of our Theory, or the establishing of this Epoch,--on the contrary, he distinctly asserts (vol. ii., p. 442),

"I shall not attempt to inquire into the origin of this people, from what country they came, or when, or how; I shall confine myself to their works and their ruins."

Our artistical or historical comments, good, bad, or indifferent, are our own, and accompany the quotations for the purpose of supporting the Analogies in a subsequent chapter. The italicised and bracketed words the reader will give especial attention to;--as we have so expressed them for facility in illustrating.

"There are no remains in Copan of palaces or private dwellings, and the principal part (of the ruins) is that which stands on the bank of the river, and may perhaps with propriety be called the Temple. The Temple is an oblong enclosure. The front or river wall ('stone and nearly _one hundred feet high_,' vol. i., p. 95) extends on a right line, North and South, _six hundred and twenty-four feet_, and it is from _sixty_ to _ninety feet in height_." The difference in height arising from several parts having fallen. "It (the river-wall) is made of _cut stone_, from three to six feet in length, and a foot and a half in breadth. In many places the stones have been thrown down by bushes growing out of the crevices. The other three sides consist of ranges of steps and _pyramidal_ structures, rising from _thirty, to one hundred and forty feet_ on a slope. The whole line of survey (of this Temple) is _two thousand eight hundred and sixty-six feet_, which though gigantic and extraordinary for a ruined structure of the Aborigines, _that the reader's imagination may not mislead him_, I consider it necessary to say, _is not so large_ as the great (Egyptian) Pyramid of Ghizeh."

We certainly do not desire to be misled, or _our_ readers either,--therefore, at once, will be compared the measurements of the pyro-temple of Copan, and the Pyramid of Egypt. Lee Bruyn gives the base side of the great edifice of the Nile at 750 feet. Greaves states it to be 693 feet; the difference between these computations is fifty-seven feet, which divided for an average, and added to the lesser sum, will shew one side to be 721 feet (and a fraction), which multiplied by four, the sum total of the entire square base will be 2884 feet,--that of Copan--viz., 2866 feet, will leave only a difference between the great Pyramidal Edifices in Egypt and Copan of _eighteen feet_! but from diversity in measurement they may be viewed as the fac-similes of each other in regard to the base. This cannot be accidental. Taking Greaves's numbers, each side 693 × 4 = 2772 feet. Stephens's sum total of Copan is 2866, leaving an increase in size over that of the Egyptian of ninety-four feet! Mr. Stephens may, perhaps, have forgotten the measurements in Egypt, although he has travelled there; but we shall have occasion to refer to the ingenious manner in which he endeavours to stay the "imagination" of his readers upon the subject of all the Ruins.

The comparative measurements have been brought forward, that the reader may not be misled in reading this work.

Another singular coincidence (we may remark) occurs in the measurement of the terraced-pyramid at Mexican Cholula; the base of that is 5760 feet!--now the base of the Egyptian, as shewn above, is 2884 feet only; this sum multiplied by two, produces a sum total of 5768; a difference only of _eight feet_, would make the Pyramid of Cholula _exactly twice_ as large as that of Egypt. An error may have occurred in reference to the eight feet--for in so large a measurement, and by different authors, it is but natural that an error might arise, and consequently these bases, as to size, cannot be viewed as accidental.

"Near the South-west corner of the river-wall, and the South-wall, is a recess, which was probably once occupied by _a colossal monument_ fronting the water--no part of which is now visible. Beyond are the remains of _two small pyramidal structures_, to the largest of which is attached a wall running along the west bank of the river. This appears to have been one of the principal walls of the city, and between the _two pyramids_ there seems to have been a gateway or principal entrance from the water. The South wall runs at right angles to the river, beginning with a range of steps about thirty feet high, and each step about eighteen inches square. At the South-east corner is _a massive pyramidal structure_ one hundred and twenty feet high on the slope. On the right are other remains of terraces and _pyramidal buildings_, and here, also, was probably a gateway, by a passage about twenty feet wide, into a quadrangular area two hundred and fifty feet square, _two sides of which are massive pyramids_ one hundred and twenty feet on the slope. At the foot of these structures, and at different parts of the quadrangular area, are numerous remains of _sculpture_, especially a _colossal monument, richly sculptured_, fallen and ruined. Behind it _fragments of sculpture_, thrown down from their places by trees, are strewed and lying loose _on the side of the pyramid, from the base to the top_. 'Idols' give a peculiar character to the ruins of Copan. One stands with its face _to the East_ [_i. e._ to the Rising Sun] about six feet from the base of the pyramidal wall. It is _thirteen feet high, four feet in front and back_, and _three feet on the sides_ [_i. e._ four-sided column] _sculptured on all four of its sides, from the base to the top_, and one of the richest and most elaborate specimens in the whole extent of ruins. Originally, it was _painted_, the marks of _red colour_ being distinctly visible. Before it at the distance of about eight feet, is a large block of sculptured stone, which the Indians call an altar. The subject of the front [_i. e._ of the Idol-obelisk] is a full-length figure, the face wanting beard, and of a feminine cast, though the dress seems that of a man. On the two sides are rows of _hieroglyphics_ [_i. e._ the sacred or religious language] which probably recite the history of this mysterious personage. Following the wall, is another monument or idol of the same size, and in many respects similar. The character of this image as it stands at the foot of the pyramidal structure, with masses of fallen stone [ruins] resting against its base, is grand, and it would be difficult to exceed the _richness of the ornament and sharpness of the sculpture_. This, too, was _painted_, and the _red_is still distinctly visible. The whole quadrangle is overgrown with trees, and interspersed with _fragments_ of _fine sculpture_, particularly on the _East side_ [_i. e._ to the Rising Sun.] At the North-east corner is a narrow passage, which was probably a third gateway. On the right is a confused range of terraces running off into the forest. Turning Northward, the range to the left-hand continues _a high massive pyramidal structure_, with trees growing out of it to the very top. At a short distance is _a detached pyramid about fifty feet_ SQUARE, and thirty feet high. The range of structures turns at right angles to the left, and runs to the river, joining the other extremity of the wall, at which we began our survey. The bank was elevated about thirty feet above the river, _and had been protected by a wall of stone_, most of which had fallen down."

The city-wall on the river-side, with its raised bank, and making allowances for what had fallen from the top of the great wall, must then have ranged from _one hundred and thirty, to one hundred and fifty feet in height_!

"_There was no entire pyramid_, but at most two or three pyramidal sides, and _then joined_ on to terraces or other structures of the same kind."

The first line of this last quotation is distinctly contradicted a few lines before it--for he says, "At a short distance is a _detached_ pyramid about fifty feet _square_." Therefore this is an "entire pyramid." That of Cholula stands "solitary and alone" in a large plain, and there, at least, is an "entire pyramid," so far as its base and sides are considered.

"Beyond the wall of enclosure were walls, terraces, and pyramidal elevations running off into the forest, which sometimes confused us. Probably the whole was not erected at the same time, but additions were made, and statues erected by different kings, or perhaps in commemoration of important events in the history of the city. Along the whole line were ranges of _steps_ with _pyramidal_ elevations, probably crowned on the top with buildings or altars, now in ruins. _All these steps and the pyramidal sides were painted_ [red], and the reader may imagine the effect when the whole country was clear of forest, and priests and people were ascending from the outside of the terraces, and thence to the holy places within to pay their adoration in the Temple.

"Within this enclosure are two rectangular courtyards, having ranges of steps ascending to terraces. The area of each is about forty feet from the river. On one side at the foot of the pyramidal wall is another monument or idol, [_i. e._ sculptured obelisk]. It is about the same height as the others (in all fourteen), but differs in shape, being larger at top than below. Its appearance and character are tasteful and pleasing."

We desire to call the particular attention of the reader to the following piece of sculpture, as it will hold a conspicuous position as we advance in this volume.

"Near this [idol last mentioned] is a _remarkable altar_, which perhaps presents as curious a subject for speculation as any monument at Copan. The altars, like the idols, are all of a single block of stone. In general, they are not so richly ornamented, and are more faded and worn, or covered with moss. All differed in fashion, and doubtless had some distinct and peculiar reference to the idols before which they stood."

Each of the idols, therefore, had an altar before it, and each of the altars had its relative idol, _except_ the one about to be described.

"This altar stands on four globes (?) cut out of the same stone: the sculpture is in _bas-relief_, and it is the _only specimen of that kind of sculpture found at Copan_, all the rest being in bold _alto-relievo_."

By a reference to the map for its locality, we find that it is situated nearly in the very centre of the vast Temple. This, together with its being alone, unassociated with an Idol--the sculpture being entirely different, and "the only specimen" found there, all the others being in _alto_, but this in _basso_--(a proof of its greater antiquity)--the very stone seems to find a voice to proclaim that it was the Chief Altar of Copan. It may be "a curious subject," but certainly does not require much "speculation" to form a conclusion. The description of the detail of the sculpture seems to furnish another reason for believing it to be the principal Altar.

"It is six feet square, and four feet high; and the top is divided into thirty-six tablets [or squares] of _hieroglyphics_, which beyond doubt _record some_ EVENT _in the history_ of the mysterious people who once inhabited the city."

This we distinctly believe; and that the _sculpture_ about to be described, TRANSLATES THE HIEROGLYPHICS, and those being translated, the "event in the history" is then arrived at. Whether we have accomplished this or not, the reader will judge as he proceeds,--for we have looked upon this Chief Altar as the "Rosetta-stone" of the ruins--the Key-stone in the arch of mystery.

"Each side of the altar represents four individuals. On the West-side are the two principal personages, chiefs, or warriors, with their faces opposite to each other, and apparently engaged in argument or _negotiation_. The other fourteen (figures) are divided into two equal parties, and seem to be following their leaders. Each of the two principal figures is seated _cross-legged_, in the _Oriental_ fashion, on an _hieroglyphic_, which probably designated his name and office, or character; and on _two_ of which the _Serpent_ forms part."

The description reads "three," the engraving shews only _two_ Serpents; the later will be received as correct, from the accuracy ascribed to the drawings by Mr. Stephens, and already quoted.

"Between the two principal personages, is a remarkable cartouche, containing two _hieroglyphics_, well preserved, which reminded us _strongly of the Egyptian method_ of giving the names of the _kings and heroes in whose honour monuments were erected_. The head-dresses are remarkable for their curious and complicated form. The figures have all breastplates, and one of the two principal characters holds in his hand an instrument, which perhaps may be considered a sceptre,--each of the others holds an _object_, which can be only (?) a subject for speculation and conjecture."

We believe them to be (judging from the engravings) _spiral shells_; the application will be found in the important chapter devoted to the Analogies.

"It [the "object"] may be a weapon of war, and if so, it is the only thing of the kind found at Copan. In other countries, battle scenes, warriors, and weapons of war are among the most prominent subjects of sculpture; and from the entire absence of them here, there is reason to believe, _that the people were not warlike, but peaceable and easily subdued_."

Are not the Sculptures, the Idols, and Altars, the ornaments of a _Temple_?--and as a consequence, should be devoid of the weapons of war. A false conclusion is arrived at by Mr. Stephens, when, from the absence of battle-axes, shields, and helms, in a Religious Temple, it must follow as a necessity, that those worshipping there, must be devoid of courage. Our own Altars might be so regarded if his reasoning was admitted, yet few persons would have the temerity to say, because the Christian Altars are devoid of warlike weapons, that the Anglo-Saxon race are "easily subdued."

The hands that built those Temples on the Western Continent, could also defend them. The military position and strength of Copan, prove the builders to be of a race far from cowards, and not easily to be conquered. In these remarks we would not confound the previous distinction drawn between the courage of these Aborigines and those of the North. The Mexicans were courageous in quick assault, but had not the indomitable endurance and persevering fortitude of the Northerns.

Enough has been quoted concerning the ruins of Copan; yet it should be stated, that among those ruins was found a sculptured _Tortoise_,--this will be referred to in the Analogies.

As a summary of the ruins of Copan, they are of sculptured _stone_, with the _absence_ of _stucco_; but pyramidal structures and bases; no circular columns, but square or four-sided obelisks, or Idols; Sculptured Altars; flights of steps forming pyramidal slopes, but only on three sides, excepting _in one instance_, and all these bearing distinct testimony of having been painted or dyed with "a red colour;" a perpendicular wall nearly one hundred feet in height; and the sculpture is not only rich in detail, but finely executed. At Copan there is no vestige of wooden beams or lintels in or about the ruins, and no appearance of a roof of any description. The _arch_ is no where found, or any thing indicating that its principle was known to the Copanians.

The absence of all _metal_ is another singular feature. The quarry from whence the stone was taken, is about two miles distant from the Temple; and the supposition of Mr. Stephens seems probable--viz., that from the discovery of _flint_-stone, and of the hardest description, the softer stone composing the Altars and Idols, was cut with this flint in lieu of metal. Every thing seems to denote the great antiquity of these ruins over those of any of the other Cities; for it will be shewn that they had a knowledge of the use of metal, and that they had found it. At Ocosingo there is a wooden beam, and at Palenque; and at Uxmal, all the lintels of the doors are of wood, and so hard is its character, that a sharp knife will turn its edge upon it, as if drawn vertically upon a bar of rough steel or iron. Therefore from the facts contained in this summary, together with the "event in the history" of the Chief Altar, and yet to be given,--we have placed Copan as the most ancient, and, as far as discovered, the first architectural City built on the Western Continent.

There is one description at Copan which will be reserved for the purpose of refuting (in the subsequent pages) one of Mr. Stephens's conclusions, as expressed in his Reflections upon the collective Ruins of these Cities, "whose antiquity," in the language of the Prophet, "is of ancient days."