Palenque: A Glimpse into the Mayan World

Pre-Columbian Civilisations — Legacy of the Maya

Sarah @ UNESCO Spotlight
4 min readOct 30, 2023
Palenque: A Glimpse into the Mayan World

In the state of Chiapas, Mexico, lies an archaeological marvel of the Classic period of Mesoamerican chronology — Palenque.

This site, once a city-state belonging to the Maya civilisation, is an emblematic locale that offers a window into a civilisation’s intellectual, architectural, and cultural heritage that has survived the relentless progression of time.

The ruins of Palenque stand not only as a remnant of the past but speaks to the intricate society that the Maya developed.

The ruins, enveloped by the dense tropics, present an array of structures that articulate the sophistication of Mayan architecture and urban design.

Among these, the Temple of Inscriptions is particularly significant. It serves as both a monument and a repository of recorded Mayan history, with hieroglyphic panels that provide insight into the dynastic history and cosmology of the Maya.

The temple also houses the tomb of K’inich Janaab’ Pakal, one of the most renowned Mayan rulers, whose reign marked a zenith in the history of…

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Sarah @ UNESCO Spotlight

Passionate traveler & UNESCO World Heritage site enthusiast. ✈️🌍 Sharing stories, photos & tips to inspire your next world heritage adventure!