A Classic Maya city-state on the edge of the Chiapas highlands above the Usumacinta basin, Palenque (ancient Lakamha, polity Baakʼ) is renowned for its finely carved architecture and reliefs, especially under its most famous ruler, Kʼinich Janaabʼ Pakal (Pacal the Great). This record adds Palenque at city-state granularity alongside the umbrella Classic Maya (Lowland City-States) record.
Palenque's political history, reconstructed largely from its own hieroglyphic inscriptions, ends with the city's decline and abandonment in the late 8th century, part of the broader Classic Maya collapse; it was overgrown by jungle until modern excavation.
Focused study of Palenque's archaeology, inscriptions, and dynastic history.
Covers Palenque's dynasty and Pakal the Great in depth alongside other Classic lowland kingdoms.