Palenque's Temple of the Inscriptions was built during Pakal the Great's reign in the 7th century AD, rising about 27 m. Alberto Ruz Lhuillier discovered his tomb in 1952, revealing a 7-ton sarcophagus with an underworld lid carving. Pakal wore jade ornaments and a mosaic mask. The Red Queen in Temple 13, covered in red cinnabar, may be his wife Lady Tz'akbu Ajaw.
Palenque's Temple of Inscriptions hid Pakal's tomb and the Red Queen
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Key facts
- The Temple of the Inscriptions was built during the reign of Pakal the Great in the 7th century AD, rising approximately 27 m (nearly 90 ft)
- Pakal's tomb was discovered in 1952 by Mexican archaeologist Alberto Ruz Lhuillier inside the Temple of the Inscriptions
- The burial chamber contained a massive limestone sarcophagus weighing over 7 tons, with a carved lid depicting Pakal descending into the underworld
- Pakal's body was covered in jade ornaments and crowned by a jade mosaic mask depicting his youthful idealized face
- The Red Queen of Palenque was discovered inside Temple 13, her body and sarcophagus covered in brilliant red cinnabar, along with a jade malachite mask and sacrificed individuals
- Researchers consider Pakal's wife, Lady Tz'akbu Ajaw, as the strongest candidate for the Red Queen's identity
Site mentioned
Sources
Discovering an ancient Maya king's tomb at Palenque — artsq.orgartsq.org
In 1949, Ruz began excavating the tallest building at the ancient Maya site of Palenque, known today as the Temple of Inscriptions.
Palenque: Temple of the Inscriptions & Tomb of Pakal - Maya Ruinsmayaruins.com
The nine-level Temple of the Inscriptions stands just south of the Palace. Set directly into the hill behind, it is highlighted and framed by the landscape.
Palenque | Living Maya Time - Smithsonian Institutionmaya.nmai.si.edu
The crypt within the Temple of the Inscriptions houses the sarcophagus lid of Pakal's tomb. The lid depicts Pakal's re-birth as the maize god and the ...
Temple Of Inscriptions Images and Stock Photosgettyimages.com
The Temple of Inscriptions in Palenque showing the nine levels of the world below and the Tomb of the King by Pascal who died in 683, Mexico. Mayan...
Palenque (Classic Period) - Smarthistorysmarthistory.org
The Temple of the Inscriptions has been called the greatest Maya funerary pyramid and gets its name from the relief panels inside the temple
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