Maya site of Copán Dec. 5, 2025

In a quiet valley of western Honduras lie the ruins of Copán—a city of the ancient Maya civilisation. Its sky served as both compass and calendar, guiding celestial events and shaping temples, rituals and the rhythm of life. Around 426 CE, K"inich Yax K"uk" Mo", a warrior from the Maya heartland, founded Copán and established its royal dynasty. The city became a centre of Maya art, astronomy and power.

© diegograndi/Getty Images

palette

Today in History

Santa slalom
Dec. 5, 2023Neuschwanstein and Hohenschwangau Castles, Bavaria, Germany
Dec. 5, 2024Tufa formation on Mono Lake, California, United States

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Jan. 5, 2024International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival, Harbin, China
9,000-year-old handprints
May 6, 2024The Roaches ridge in the Peak District, England
Apr. 9, 2024World Ski and Snowboard Festival
A temple to treasure
Aug. 5, 2024Lavender field, Hertfordshire, England
Where are these illuminated walkways?
Dec. 10, 2025Mosque-Cathedral of Córdoba, Andalusia, Spain
Feb. 24, 2024Almond trees in full bloom, California
Apr. 21, 2024Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, USA
Jun. 24, 2025Delicate Arch, Arches National Park, Utah, United States
Giants of the Southern Ocean
A starry night!
What returned to this city 500 years ago?
Winter wonderland for your wallet
Feb. 19, 2024Toledo, Spain
Oct. 16, 2023Golden larches and Prusik Peak, Enchantments, Washington
Aug. 25, 2023Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
A vibrant, sun-drenched island
Rising with the sun
The old castle at sunrise
A view that’s out of this world
Apr. 27, 2025Coastal redwoods in Redwood National and State Parks, California, United States
Jul. 21, 2024Kendwa village, Zanzibar, Tanzania
A book lover’s paradise
Oct. 18, 2025International Archaeology Day
Oct. 10, 2025Fiji Day
Oct. 1, 2023Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, British Columbia
Mar. 31, 2024Happy Easter!
Oct. 26, 2024Gespensterwald, Nienhagen, Germany