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:

Oct. 31, 2025Happy Halloween!
Feb. 4, 2026Red kite in snow
Nov. 21, 2025World Hello Day
Bring the king cakes
Dec. 23, 2024Celebrating Festivus
Oct. 14, 2025Village of Oia in Santorini, Greece
Walking a rocky rainbow
Mar. 9, 2024Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness, New Mexico, USA
Jul. 1, 2024Canada Day
Mar. 9, 2025Daylight saving time begins
A breathtaking cave when it’s cold
Dec. 26, 2025Boxing Day
Stripes in sight
Feb. 23, 2025Mount Fuji Day
Nov. 15, 2025Irohazaka Road in autumn, Nikko, Tochigi, Japan
A dramatic celebration of peace
Where the rainbow ends
Jul. 3, 2025Rainbow River, Rainbow Springs State Park, Florida, United States
Jun. 28, 2025Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising
Sep. 24, 2025Devils Tower National Monument, Wyoming, United States
Dec. 11, 2024International Mountain Day
May 9, 2025Canadian Tulip Festival
Misty mountain hop
Jan. 31, 2024International Zebra Day
Dec. 18, 2025Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, United States
Nov. 11, 2023Young Peak, British Columbia
Aug. 2, 2025Petroglyphs near Fruita in Capitol Reef National Park, Utah, United States
Sep. 16, 2025Nighttime view over the Gulf Coast
Rugged coasts and temperate rainforests
Jul. 7, 2024Rice terraces of Mù Cang Chải, Yên Bái province, Vietnam