Palenque Archeological Site

Where We Stayed

We stayed at the town of Palenque which is about 5 miles from the site.

About the Site

This is a large site on a hillside and deep in the jungle, so you can easily take two days to explore most of it.  The site was active between 300 AD and 900 AD, and a ceremonial center. The site is still being actively excavated; several tombs have been found, including that of one of the most important Maya rulers, Pacal.

What's There

The complex architecture and well-preserved carvings and reliefs make Palenque one of the most important and popular Maya sites.  Also see - The Faces of Palenque and Hieroglyphs.

Click on any image to see it full size.

	Temple of the Inscriptions contains the tomb of king Pacal.  Most of the artifacts have been moved, but the original sarcophagus lid is still here.  You have to climb the pyramid and descend a steep and narrow staircase from the top to get down to the tomb.  It is about a 75 foot climb up the staircase.  Th pyramid has a number of hieroglyphs inside, and four plaster reliefs of royal personages on its columns, each holding in their arms the figure of Pacal's son, Chan-Bahlum, who is shown as a baby with six toes, but combined with supernatural and god-like attributes.   Chan-Bahlum built this pyramid for his father's tomb, but used the opportunity to reinforce his own claim to the throne by showing his ancestors presenting himself as designated and devine heir.
	Some of the well preserved hieroglyphics at the site.
	The Palace is a complex structure containg a large unique tower, beautiful reliefs and carvings, a steambath and several courtyards.  It looks as if it had both adminstrative and living quarters.
	The Temple of the Sun, and the Temples of the Cross and the Foliated Cross were built by Pacal's son, Chan-Bahlum.  The Temple of the Sun may be the location of his tomb.
	The Temple of the Cross and the Temple of the Foliated Cross each contain one of the most beautiful and important carved panels in Maya archeology.
	The Temple of the Cross contains the earliest depiction of a smoker--the old god L. The depiction is approximately 600 years old.

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