Temple 20 facts for kids
Temple 20 (also called Temple XX) is an ancient pyramid building. It was built by the Maya civilization a long time ago. This temple is found in the old Maya city of Palenque. Palenque is in the southern part of Mexico, in a state called Chiapas.
This pyramid was built between the years AD 430 and 600. This time is known as the Early Classic period for the Maya people. Inside Temple 20, there is a special room called a funerary chamber. This room holds the remains of a very important person. An archaeologist named Merle Greene Robertson thinks this tomb might belong to Queen Ix Yohl Ik'nal. She was a powerful ruler of Palenque.
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Discovering Temple 20's Secrets
In 1999, archaeologists made an exciting discovery. They found a hidden tomb deep inside Temple 20. However, they faced a big problem. The pyramid above the tomb was not very stable. Trying to enter the tomb could cause the whole structure to collapse. This meant they had to be very careful.
Looking Inside the Tomb
To see what was inside without causing damage, scientists used a special tool. In April 2011, they lowered a tiny camera into the pyramid. This camera was only about 4 by 6 centimeters (about 1.5 by 2.5 inches) big. It went down about 5 meters (16 feet) through a small hole. The hole was only 15 centimeters (6 inches) wide.
The camera showed amazing things inside the tomb. It revealed murals, which are paintings on the walls. These murals showed nine human figures. They were outlined in black against a bright, blood-red background. The camera did not show a large stone box called a sarcophagus. It seems the skeleton of the important person might be lying directly on the stone floor slabs.
Making the Pyramid Safe
Before they could explore the tomb further, a council of archaeologists had to make a plan. This group, from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), decided something important. They said the pyramid's base must be made strong and stable first. This is to make sure it is safe for future exploration.
Restoring the Ancient Temple
Specialists from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) worked hard on Temple 20. They carefully restored the pyramid in 2010. This work helps to protect the ancient structure. It also makes it safer for people to study and visit this important Maya site.
