The longest híeroglyphic inscription in the Maya area ís the Híeroglyphic Stairway of structure 26. It was dedicated in 9.16.5.0.0 (A.D.756). Structure lOL-26 forms a northern projection of the Acropolís. It ís reached from the west by the Hieroglyphic Stairway, which rises from the court below. A large figure sits at the midpoint of every twelfth step; although eroded, the figures apparently represent the major rulers of Copan's dynasty. The faces of the steps are sculptured wíth some 2,200 individual glyphs, the longest inscription in Maya hieroglyphic writing; unfortunately, however, the steps were largely jumbled by the collapse of the stairway, and only the lowest portion is in its original position. From the Hieroglyphíc Stairway one has a magnificent view of the famed Ballcourt and the Great Plaza beyond.
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