Palenque facts for kids
Collage of Palenque.
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 Location in Mesoamerica
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| Alternative name | Bàak', Lakamha |
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| Location | Chiapas, Mexico |
| Region | Chiapas |
| Coordinates | 17°29′2.32″N 92°2′46.78″W / 17.4839778°N 92.0463278°W |
| History | |
| Periods | Late Preclassic to Early Postclassic |
| Cultures | Maya civilization |
| Site notes | |
| UNESCO World Heritage Site | |
| Official name | Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque |
| Criteria | Cultural: i, ii, iii, iv |
| Inscription | 1987 (11th Session) |
| Area | 1,772 ha |
The city of Palengue also is home to The Temple of Inscriptions, inside lies the sarcophagus of Pacal the Great. |
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Palenque (also known as Bàak' in Modern Maya) is an amazing Maya ancient city located near the Usumacinta River in the Mexican state of Chiapas. It's not as big as some other famous Maya cities like Tikal or Copán. However, Palenque is super important because it has some of the best examples of Maya architecture, sculpture, and detailed carvings called bas-reliefs. These artworks help us understand the ancient Maya people and their history.
Contents
Discovering Palenque's Past
Palenque was a powerful city during the Classic Period of the Maya civilization. This period lasted from about 250 AD to 900 AD. The city grew in a beautiful jungle area. It was surrounded by rivers and hills.
Early History and Growth
People started living in Palenque around 100 BC. The city slowly grew over hundreds of years. It became an important center for trade and culture. The Maya people built many temples and palaces here.
The Golden Age of Palenque
Palenque reached its peak between 600 AD and 800 AD. This was a time of great rulers and amazing building projects. The city became very powerful in the Maya world. It had strong connections with other Maya cities.
Famous Rulers of Palenque
One of the most famous rulers was K'inich Janaab Pakal, often called Pakal the Great. He ruled for almost 70 years! During his time, many of Palenque's most impressive buildings were constructed. His son, K'inich Kan B'alam II, also continued to build and expand the city.
Why Palenque Was Left Behind
Around 800 AD, like many other Maya cities, Palenque began to decline. People slowly left the city. No one knows exactly why this happened. It might have been due to climate change, wars, or problems with farming. The jungle then slowly covered the city.
Amazing Buildings and Art
Palenque is famous for its unique Maya architecture. The buildings here are known for their elegant designs. They often have tall, narrow structures and beautiful carvings.
The Temple of the Inscriptions
This is one of the most famous buildings in Palenque. It's a tall pyramid with a temple on top. Inside, archaeologists found the tomb of Pakal the Great. His sarcophagus (a stone coffin) is covered with incredible carvings. These carvings tell stories about his life and the Maya beliefs about the afterlife.
The Palace Complex
The Palace is a large group of buildings and courtyards. It was likely where the rulers of Palenque lived and governed. It has many rooms, corridors, and even a unique four-story tower. This tower might have been used for watching the stars or for defense. The Palace also has many detailed carvings and sculptures.
The Cross Group Temples
This group includes the Temple of the Cross, the Temple of the Sun, and the Temple of the Foliated Cross. These temples are built on pyramids and face a central plaza. Each temple has a special carved panel inside. These panels show important events and religious ideas of the Maya. They also tell us about the rulers who built them.
Understanding Maya Culture
Palenque is a treasure chest of information about the ancient Maya. The detailed carvings and hieroglyphic texts found here have taught us a lot. They explain Maya history, their gods, and their way of life.
Maya Writing and History
The Maya were one of the few ancient civilizations to develop a full writing system. At Palenque, many buildings have long texts carved into them. These texts tell us about the kings, their families, and important events. They help us piece together the history of this powerful city.
Art and Sculpture
The art at Palenque is known for its beauty and detail. The bas-relief carvings often show people in graceful poses. They wear elaborate costumes and headdresses. These artworks are not just pretty; they also tell stories and show religious ideas. They give us a glimpse into the Maya's rich spiritual world.
Images for kids
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A bas-relief in the Palenque museum that depicts Upakal K'inich, the son of K'inich Ahkal Mo' Naab III.
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K'inich Kan B'alam II, one of the many rulers of Palenque. Detail from the Temple XVII Tablet.
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The two inner columns from the Temple of the Inscriptions
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The Palace Observation Tower
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The Palace as seen from the courtyard.
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In the Palace
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Mask of the Red Queen from the tomb found in Temple XIII.
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Temple of the Inscriptions
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Temple of the Cross
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The Palace and aqueduct
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The Corbel arch seen in a hallway at the Palace
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Temple of the Count
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Detail of a relief at the Palace drawn by Ricardo Almendáriz during the Del Rio expedition in 1787
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Jade mask of King K'inich Janaab Pakal. National Museum of Anthropology and History, Mexico City.
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K'inich K'an B'alam II ("Chan Bahlam II").
See also
In Spanish: Zona arqueológica de Palenque para niños
