El Puente (Maya site)

El Puente is a significant Maya archaeological site located in the Copán department of Honduras. It served as an independent city before becoming a tributary to the city of Copán during the 6th to 9th centuries CE. The site is notable for its over 200 structures, including religious temples, pyramids, and domestic quarters, though only a few have been excavated. The architecture reflects both Maya and slight non-Maya influences, with unique structural details such as varied stairway sizes and a less symmetrical layout. El Puente's construction utilized materials like tufa and limestone, with structures suffering from looting and agricultural damage. The site's significance extends to its role in trade route control and its connection to Copán, evidenced by architectural and ceramic similarities.