DISCOVERING ROSALILA I

On June 23, 1989, Honduran archaeologist Ricardo Agurcia Fasquelle (now the Executive Director of the Copán Association) discovered a unique and remarkable ancient temple. While exploring under Temple 16, he found the best-preserved example of monumental architecture at Copan. He named it “Rosalila” (rosalila means rose-lilac color in Spanish), in keeping with the accepted system of naming temple after colors.

Rosalila was not destroyed by the ancient Maya, like other buildings archaeologists have found. It was carefully buried with much ceremony. Its rooms, moldings, and niches were carefully filled with mud and stones, while its elaborate stucco panels were covered with a thick layer of white plaster. This plaster still protects Rosalila’s many layers of original paint.

The Copán Association sponsored much of the investigation, conservation, and presentation of Rosalila to the public. It helped create the Rosalila visitor’s tunnel and the Copan Sculpture Museum. Without the hard work and funds contributed by the Association, the impressive Rosalila temple would not be the ic

on of national identity and pride that it is today.