Palenque

(226 BC - 799 AD) Palenque was a Maya city-state in southern Mexico that flourished from circa 226 BC to circa 799 AD [1]. Located near the Usumacinta River in the Mexican state of Chiapas, it is adjacent to the modern town of Palenque [1][2]. Although smaller than major Maya centers like Tikal or Chichen Itza, Palenque contains some of the finest architecture, sculpture, roof combs, and bas-relief carvings produced by the Maya [1]. The site sits 150 meters above sea level in a humid tropical environment with approximately 2,160 mm of annual rainfall [2].