Palenque

These are the ruins of an ancient Mayan city in southern Mexico, in the state of Chiapas, near the Usumacinta River. The Maya themselves called it Lakam-Ha, i.e. Big Water, and the Spanish gave us the familiar name in their not-so-accurate translation.

The city was the capital of the Baakul state and lasted from several centuries BC until about 799. It experienced its zenith in the V-IX centuries.

First of all, the Temple of the Inscriptions is the tomb of King Pakal the Great, who ruled in the 7th century. Nearby is a large complex of the Palace and step pyramids with sanctuaries.

Here are some of the best-preserved examples of classical Mayan architecture and bas-reliefs. Detailed hieroglyphic texts telling about the local dynasty remained on the stones - in fact, a readable chronicle simply on the walls.