whose reign over the area lasted almost 70 years. The Temple of the Inscriptions was specifically built as the funerary monument for K'inich Janaab' Pakal, ruler of Palenque in the 7th century A.D.
The Temple of Inscriptions, Palenque, Mexico ( Daniel Mannerich / Flickr ) The tomb of Lord Pakal Their accounts were superior in both accuracy and volume compared to the small amount that had been previously published on ancient Mesoamerican cultures. Even then, Palenque was rediscovered and lost several times until 1841 when explorers John Lloyd Stephens and Frederick Catherwood, (considered the pioneers of Maya archaeology), documented and provided illustrations of the site in their book. The ruin's existence was unknown until 1773 when it was discovered by the Spanish explorer Ramon de Ordonez y Aguilar. Its ancient name was Lakamha (“Big Water”) and its modern name comes from the nearby Spanish colonial settlement of Santo Domingo de Palenque. Located in the modern-day state of Chiapas, Mexico, the Temple of the Inscriptions ranks among the most famous monuments of the Maya world and is the largest Mesoamerican stepped pyramid structure. Discovery of the Great Temple of Inscriptions The finding of his sarcophagus in the 20th century stunned the world, and has been surrounded in controversy ever since. The site is home to the Temple of the Inscriptions which houses the tomb of one of the most famous Maya leaders of Paleqnue – Pakal.
Known for its stunning architecture, sprawling temples, artwork and treasures, it has been luring explorers, tomb raiders and archaeologists here for centuries. Hidden deep in the jungles of Mexico are the ruins of the great Maya city of Palenque.