The hieroglyphic stairway, which occupies the western side of structure 10L-26, was built in two stages during the eighth century. The figures standing in the middle of the stairway, the balustrades on each side, as well as the stela and altars at the bottom, form part of the monument. Carved on the stairways risers is the longest known ancient Mesoamerican text, making the stairway a manuscript carved in stone. This unique text recounts four centuries of Copán dynasty history. Photo: Evin Erder.