Oct 20, 2024 10:00:00

3D map of 4km-long tunnel beneath ancient Mayan temple released

The Mayan civilization , which flourished in southeastern Mexico and Guatemala, has been excavated in large numbers even today. The great Mayan city of Copan , discovered in the jungles of western Honduras, was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980 for its historical value. A 4km-long Mayan tunnel was discovered in Copan, and a 3D map of it has been made available online.

What Lies Beneath: Inside the Maya Temples at Copan - Mused
https://blog.mused.com/what-lies-beneath-digitally-recording-over-4km-of-tunnels-inside-the-maya-temples-at-copan/

During the height of Maya civilization, from the 5th to the 9th centuries, Copán served as a cultural and political center, and is home to numerous stone monuments, hieroglyphics, and other artistic treasures.

However, like many ancient civilizations, the Maya built new structures on top of older ones, and Copán's early history remains buried beneath the soil. Many research teams have excavated Copán's underground tunnels, uncovering many historically significant discoveries.

The tunnel's 3D scan, which took several months, was a difficult undertaking. There were numerous obstacles, including high humidity that led to 3D scanner failures,

armworms up to 27 inches long, and the risk of collapse due to hurricanes. But the team says, 'By spending hours adjusting the lighting and equipment, we were able to capture not only the finest details, but also the smallest sculptures.'

A 3D map of the Copan underground tunnels can be viewed below.

Temple 26 and Excavation Tunnels, Copan | Copan Ruinas

https://mused.com/guided/158/temple-26-and-excavation-tunnels-copan-ruinas/

There are two modes available: 'Guided Tour' mode, where you explore Copan while following a guided tour, and 'Free Explore' mode, where you can freely explore the ruins. Below is a picture of the 'Guided Tour' mode.

On the other hand, the 'Free Explore' mode allows you to explore like

Google Street View , dividing the area into levels.

On the second floor, sculptures depicting '

Kʼinich Yax Kʼukʼ Moʼ ', the founder of Copán, have been found.

There is also a bench that appears to have been made from recycled building materials from the royal tomb.

Regarding the creation of the 3D map, the research team said, 'Our goal was to capture the history of the development of Copan's civilization while protecting this site, which contains the history of the Maya civilization, for generations to come.' 'Through this 3D scan, we can ensure that the hidden world left underground at Copan is not lost over time. It can be used as an educational tool in schools around the world.'