Definition: The Maya civilization site of Palenque rises from the mist in the foothills of the Chiapas mountains of southern Mexico. Palenque was the capital city of Pakal the Great [AD 603-683], one of the most powerful kings of central America in Late Classic times. The site was first occupied during the Early Classic (AD 200-600) and fell around 800 AD. The most famous part of Palenque is the tomb of Pacal the Great, excavated by Alberto Ruz Llullier, who found the steps to it hidden beneath the Temple of the Inscription.
Excavations have been undertaken at Palenque since 1997 by El Proyecto Groupo de las Cruces (the Palenque Project), directed by Merle Greene Robertson and Alfonso Morales Cleveland.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
Excavations have been undertaken at Palenque since 1997 by El Proyecto Groupo de las Cruces (the Palenque Project), directed by Merle Greene Robertson and Alfonso Morales Cleveland.
Source
Houston, Stephen D. 1996 Symbolic sweatbaths of the Maya: Architectural meaning in the Cross Group at Palenque, Mexico. Latin American Antiquity 7(2):132-151.This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar. Any mistakes are the responsibility of Kris Hirst.
