Palenque's Temple of the Sun.

[Judi Lynn]

Ancient city of Palenque boasts remains of a powerful Maya dynasty

The remains of a 'red queen' only the start of outstanding artifacts on display

By Thilini Wijesinhe
Published on Tuesday, July 20, 2021

Situated in the state of Chiapas, around 220 kilometers from San Cristóbal de las Casas and close to Guatemala, Palenque is considered one of the most important Maya cities of the Classic Period, between A.D. 250 and 900.

UNESCO recognized the “Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque” as a World Heritage Site in 1987. The archaeological zone, which has many well-preserved structures, is amid lush green surroundings and is perhaps one of the most beautiful ancient Maya cities in present-day Mexico.

The city’s original name has been identified as Lakamha’ (the place of the great waters). It also had several other names, including Na Chán (city of snakes). The territory under its control was called B’aakal (bone).

The modern name of Palenque derives from the nearby 16th-century settlement of Santo Domingo de Palenque.

Before it grew into a powerful Maya city, Palenque started out as a village around 150 B.C. The city’s golden era is considered to have been during A.D. 600–900, when the structures in the city’s center were constructed.



The Temple of the Foliated Cross is just one part of a complex of temples.

More:
https://mexiconewsdaily.com/mexicolife/palenque-boasts-remains-of-maya-dynasty/















More images of Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque:

https://tinyurl.com/4srurxe2