Las Sepulturas

Just down from the Copan ruins are a quieter set of ruins called Las Sepulturas. They are deeper in the jungle and are the former royal residences as well as the residences of other aristocrats such as the scribes. Underneath these dwellings several tombs have been found, as those that lived there were eventually buried underneath their houses. For the aristocrats, they were usually buried along with lavish goods to accompany them in the afterlife. Archaeological digs are ongoing in this area, and while I wasn't able to take photographs of the dig, I did have a great conversation with one of the archaeologists who first came to Copan 40 years ago. 

Scribes and artisans were highly valued by ancient Mayan culture. Both women and men were scribes and artisans as well.