In this episode of Fexingo History, Lucas and Luna explore the final decades of Copán, one of the great Maya city-states. They focus on the reign of Yax Pasaj Chan Yopaat, the 16th and last k'uhul ajaw of Copán, who came to power in 763 CE after a devastating defeat of his predecessor by Quiriguá. Lucas explains how Yax Pasaj tried to salvage the dynasty through ambitious construction, including the final version of the Hieroglyphic Stairway, but faced shrinking resources, overpopulation, and environmental degradation. Luna asks about the famous Altar Q, which depicts all 16 kings of Copán and provides a unique dynastic record. Lucas describes how Yax Pasaj's reign was a balancing act between tradition and desperate innovation, and how the collapse was gradual but irreversible. The episode highlights the specific challenges Copán faced: its confined valley, soil exhaustion, and the political fallout from the Quiriguá defeat. It also touches on the broader Terminal Classic collapse in the Maya lowlands, connecting Copán's story to themes of resilience and failure.
Podden och tillhörande omslagsbild på den här sidan tillhör
Fexingo. Innehållet i podden är skapat av Fexingo och inte av,
eller tillsammans med, Poddtoppen.
