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:

May 24, 2025European Day of Parks
Feb. 21, 2024Firefall at Yosemite
Jul 19, 2026Barn swallows of different subspecies resting together
Dec. 19, 2025Bormio, Lombardy, Italy
Preserving Alaskas natural beauty
Bungle beehives
Jun. 14, 2025Cinque Torri, Dolomites, Italy
May 12, 2025An iris garden in Tokyo, Japan
Mar. 16, 2026Spirit Island on Maligne Lake, Jasper National Park, Alberta
The Riviera of India
A beautiful labyrinth
Sep. 9, 2024Iguazu Falls at the border of Argentina and Brazil
Jul 15, 2026Marie Lake, John Muir Wilderness near Bishop, California, USA
Jul. 7, 2024Rice terraces of Mù Cang Chải, Yên Bái province, Vietnam
Oct. 12, 2025Village of Saranac Lake, New York, United States
This clever bird passes with flying colours
Mar. 25, 2025Tolkien Reading Day
Dec. 4, 2023Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya
Nov. 14, 2025Manatee
Nov. 27, 2024Tombeau du Géant in Bouillon, Belgium
Feb. 5, 2026Salt evaporation ponds on the island of Gozo, Malta
Aug. 24, 2025European fallow deer in England
Family on parade
Oct. 21, 2024Cypress trees in George L. Smith State Park, Georgia, United States
Jan. 12, 2026Eurasian otter and pup, Estonia
May 6, 2024The Roaches ridge in the Peak District, England
Nov. 25, 2023Kluane National Park and Reserve, Yukon
May 7, 2025Dunluce Castle, County Antrim, Northern Ireland
A public restroom or a tourist spot?
Sep. 1, 2023Turkey Tail Mushroom