Evolution and social meaning of patio and courtyard group architecture of the Early Classic Acropolis, Copan, Honduras

This dissertation presents the excavated remains, analysis, and interpretation of Early Classic Period architecture (dated to ca. AD 400--550) preserved beneath the central architectural complex known as the Acropolis at the archaeological site of Copan, located in western Honduras. Scholars in recent years have considered the Copan polity to be a prime example of autochthonous political development resulting in a state organization during the seventh and eighth centuries AD. The central thesis argued here, based on the research conducted for this dissertation, is that the settlement of Copan became a secondary state beginning in the early fifth century during the preceding Early Classic Period (ca. AD 250--600). The research indicates that the political structure supporting a state was in place by AD 427 as result of the intervention by forces from outside the Copan Valley. This incursion seems to have emanated from the Lowland Maya region of the Peten, located in northern Guatemala. The stimulus for expansion from the Peten may derive from incursions made by peoples of Central Mexico into the Peten, particularly evident at the site of Tikal, during the fourth century AD.; This research provides important evidence of Early Classic Period Maya elite residential groups---patio and courtyard groups serving as the palace residences for the nobility and royalty of Copan. The excavations supervised by the author revealed a sequence of four major phases in the development of this palace architecture, formally defined as Structure Group 6 (the earliest) through Structure Group 3 (the latest). These palace groups are significant both in the timing of their construction and in their relation to the architectural layout of the polity center. When combined with other datasets, most importantly the historical record of the dynastic founding in AD 426, the timing and scale of elite residences as part of the early Acropolis complex supports the formation of a secondary state at Copan in the early fifth century.