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Palenque and the Ancient Maya World | Nat Geo Live


I first went to Palenque when I was a

I first went to Palenque when I was a kid of course I think how it’s on the

kid of course I think how it’s on the

kid of course I think how it’s on the same trip that three three years old and

same trip that three three years old and

same trip that three three years old and it I have to say that today still just

it I have to say that today still just

it I have to say that today still just walking around that site

walking around that site

walking around that site it’s a magical experience there’s really

it’s a magical experience there’s really

it’s a magical experience there’s really no other place like it because when you

no other place like it because when you

no other place like it because when you walk say through the palace pakal’s

walk say through the palace pakal’s

walk say through the palace pakal’s Palace it’s still there I mean it’s it’s

Palace it’s still there I mean it’s it’s

Palace it’s still there I mean it’s it’s it’s not even really a ruin the

it’s not even really a ruin the

it’s not even really a ruin the paintings are still on the walls

the whole story of Maya archaeology and

the whole story of Maya archaeology and Mesoamerican archaeology indeed American

Mesoamerican archaeology indeed American

Mesoamerican archaeology indeed American archeology almost took place there in a

archeology almost took place there in a

archeology almost took place there in a lot of senses the explorations started

lot of senses the explorations started

lot of senses the explorations started as early as the middle of the 18th

as early as the middle of the 18th

as early as the middle of the 18th century it’s just an incredible place to

century it’s just an incredible place to

century it’s just an incredible place to be and it’ll always have that aura about

be and it’ll always have that aura about

be and it’ll always have that aura about it I hope

hello there it’s good to be back had to

hello there it’s good to be back had to think of a title and I came up with this

think of a title and I came up with this

think of a title and I came up with this one based on a title of a Star Trek

one based on a title of a Star Trek

one based on a title of a Star Trek episode in 1967 seemed appropriate as

episode in 1967 seemed appropriate as

episode in 1967 seemed appropriate as you can see from this wonderful

you can see from this wonderful

you can see from this wonderful photograph the site itself Palenque sits

photograph the site itself Palenque sits

photograph the site itself Palenque sits on a kind of a shelf from the mountains

on a kind of a shelf from the mountains

on a kind of a shelf from the mountains facing the Tabasco coastal plain and so

facing the Tabasco coastal plain and so

facing the Tabasco coastal plain and so topographically it is a city on the edge

topographically it is a city on the edge

topographically it is a city on the edge in its inscriptions they cover you know

in its inscriptions they cover you know

in its inscriptions they cover you know many millenniums of time with the master

many millenniums of time with the master

many millenniums of time with the master calendar descriptions of the mire so you

calendar descriptions of the mire so you

calendar descriptions of the mire so you know noted for so that in a sense with

know noted for so that in a sense with

know noted for so that in a sense with this system that literally tamed

this system that literally tamed

this system that literally tamed eternity they wove mythical and real

eternity they wove mythical and real

eternity they wove mythical and real history into sort of a thing so that I

history into sort of a thing so that I

history into sort of a thing so that I thought this title would just be

thought this title would just be

thought this title would just be appropriate the place it’s in Chiapas

appropriate the place it’s in Chiapas

appropriate the place it’s in Chiapas down here in in the Maya area and

down here in in the Maya area and

down here in in the Maya area and there’s plenty right there you can see

there’s plenty right there you can see

there’s plenty right there you can see the the western location of it within

the the western location of it within

the the western location of it within the Maya but Maya area is this huge

the Maya but Maya area is this huge

the Maya but Maya area is this huge thing here about oh it’s still about

thing here about oh it’s still about

thing here about oh it’s still about half the size of Texas I reckon and all

half the size of Texas I reckon and all

half the size of Texas I reckon and all the great sites particularly down in

the great sites particularly down in

the great sites particularly down in here and up in Yucatan Quintana row in

here and up in Yucatan Quintana row in

here and up in Yucatan Quintana row in Campeche you can see it here and how

Campeche you can see it here and how

Campeche you can see it here and how sort of isolated it is it’s very close

sort of isolated it is it’s very close

sort of isolated it is it’s very close to a colonial town Santo Domingo de

to a colonial town Santo Domingo de

to a colonial town Santo Domingo de Palenque was established by the Spanish

Palenque was established by the Spanish

Palenque was established by the Spanish in the 1570s this is a an area that was

in the 1570s this is a an area that was

in the 1570s this is a an area that was on the frontier between the new Spain

on the frontier between the new Spain

on the frontier between the new Spain the Mexican part and the audience eeeh

the Mexican part and the audience eeeh

the Mexican part and the audience eeeh of Guatemala and this was sitting in the

of Guatemala and this was sitting in the

of Guatemala and this was sitting in the woods here nobody knew about it until

woods here nobody knew about it until

woods here nobody knew about it until seventeen 50s or so nobody in the modern

seventeen 50s or so nobody in the modern

seventeen 50s or so nobody in the modern times that is in a sense sometimes I get

times that is in a sense sometimes I get

times that is in a sense sometimes I get irritated by the term lost city because

irritated by the term lost city because

irritated by the term lost city because a lost city that is found is usually

a lost city that is found is usually

a lost city that is found is usually something defined as found by a white

something defined as found by a white

something defined as found by a white male European looking around in the

male European looking around in the

male European looking around in the woods in the new world or the Americas

woods in the new world or the Americas

woods in the new world or the Americas and

and

and but this really was a lost city after it

but this really was a lost city after it

but this really was a lost city after it was abandoned and not many people knew

was abandoned and not many people knew

was abandoned and not many people knew about it there you can see the principal

about it there you can see the principal

about it there you can see the principal buildings you can also know that like

buildings you can also know that like

buildings you can also know that like most Maya sites that have been well

most Maya sites that have been well

most Maya sites that have been well known and partially cleared or even

known and partially cleared or even

known and partially cleared or even excavated you’re looking at about five

excavated you’re looking at about five

excavated you’re looking at about five or six percent of the site it’s all

or six percent of the site it’s all

or six percent of the site it’s all through the woods here it’s about 16

through the woods here it’s about 16

through the woods here it’s about 16 square kilometres of ruin 37 or hundred

square kilometres of ruin 37 or hundred

square kilometres of ruin 37 or hundred or 4,000 structures just an incredible

or 4,000 structures just an incredible

or 4,000 structures just an incredible thing it was just mapped only mapped a

thing it was just mapped only mapped a

thing it was just mapped only mapped a few years ago and there’s buildings in

few years ago and there’s buildings in

few years ago and there’s buildings in there that are bigger than these that

there that are bigger than these that

there that are bigger than these that have never been visited by people so

have never been visited by people so

have never been visited by people so there’s the so-called palace which

there’s the so-called palace which

there’s the so-called palace which probably was it was probably a setting

probably was it was probably a setting

probably was it was probably a setting for the royal court particularly during

for the royal court particularly during

for the royal court particularly during the 7th century David’s going to talk

the 7th century David’s going to talk

the 7th century David’s going to talk about that a lot and but you can see the

about that a lot and but you can see the

about that a lot and but you can see the complicated architecture in the unique

complicated architecture in the unique

complicated architecture in the unique tower that’s here at Palenque we’re here

tower that’s here at Palenque we’re here

tower that’s here at Palenque we’re here looking out you can see that vast

looking out you can see that vast

looking out you can see that vast tabasco coastal plain in the background

tabasco coastal plain in the background

tabasco coastal plain in the background the temple of the inscriptions that

the temple of the inscriptions that

the temple of the inscriptions that we’ll hear a lot about tonight one of

we’ll hear a lot about tonight one of

we’ll hear a lot about tonight one of the largest so-called pyramids

the largest so-called pyramids

the largest so-called pyramids I say so-called because a real pyramid

I say so-called because a real pyramid

I say so-called because a real pyramid just has a pointed top and slash sides

just has a pointed top and slash sides

just has a pointed top and slash sides and those steps owns the so-called

and those steps owns the so-called

and those steps owns the so-called pyramids of Mesoamerica and Palenque are

pyramids of Mesoamerica and Palenque are

pyramids of Mesoamerica and Palenque are of course really stepped platforms to

of course really stepped platforms to

of course really stepped platforms to hold a building on top we know now that

hold a building on top we know now that

hold a building on top we know now that if they have nine zones that they are

if they have nine zones that they are

if they have nine zones that they are likely to be associated with the

likely to be associated with the

likely to be associated with the underworld and therefore standing as a

underworld and therefore standing as a

underworld and therefore standing as a funerary monument but nobody knew this a

funerary monument but nobody knew this a

funerary monument but nobody knew this a long time ago another group the

long time ago another group the

long time ago another group the so-called cross group this is a

so-called cross group this is a

so-called cross group this is a wonderful setting here this is Allen

wonderful setting here this is Allen

wonderful setting here this is Allen Ginsberg the poet visited here back in

Ginsberg the poet visited here back in

Ginsberg the poet visited here back in the 1940s 50s and call this the broken

the 1940s 50s and call this the broken

the 1940s 50s and call this the broken chapels in the green basement of a Mount

chapels in the green basement of a Mount

chapels in the green basement of a Mount and and these are the three temples but

and and these are the three temples but

and and these are the three temples but it didn’t always look like that back in

it didn’t always look like that back in

it didn’t always look like that back in the 1750s a rumor started going around

the 1750s a rumor started going around

the 1750s a rumor started going around in the frontiers of New Spain that the

in the frontiers of New Spain that the

in the frontiers of New Spain that the ricotta’s de Piedra

ricotta’s de Piedra

ricotta’s de Piedra out in the woods nobody had seen them

out in the woods nobody had seen them

out in the woods nobody had seen them except for maybe two or three people who

except for maybe two or three people who

except for maybe two or three people who had visited Palenque town and so people

had visited Palenque town and so people

had visited Palenque town and so people started going in there and rumors

started going in there and rumors

started going in there and rumors reached what snog water mollis it E and

reached what snog water mollis it E and

reached what snog water mollis it E and the the captain-general of Guatemala

the the captain-general of Guatemala

the the captain-general of Guatemala decided he would find out a little bit

decided he would find out a little bit

decided he would find out a little bit more about this so he said the deputy

more about this so he said the deputy

more about this so he said the deputy mayor of santo domingo de palenque into

mayor of santo domingo de palenque into

mayor of santo domingo de palenque into the forest to make some drawings it was

the forest to make some drawings it was

the forest to make some drawings it was a trail that went to the what we know

a trail that went to the what we know

a trail that went to the what we know now is the palace and they went in there

now is the palace and they went in there

now is the palace and they went in there jose calderon one of the folks in

jose calderon one of the folks in

jose calderon one of the folks in Palenque with a little piece of paper

Palenque with a little piece of paper

Palenque with a little piece of paper bead never drawn anything as his life he

bead never drawn anything as his life he

bead never drawn anything as his life he was terrible at drawing but he had to

was terrible at drawing but he had to

was terrible at drawing but he had to send this and he knew this would be sent

send this and he knew this would be sent

send this and he knew this would be sent to the king of Spain so he found this

to the king of Spain so he found this

to the king of Spain so he found this temple and he came upon this great slab

temple and he came upon this great slab

temple and he came upon this great slab we know now unlike most Maya sites that

we know now unlike most Maya sites that

we know now unlike most Maya sites that have upright monuments out in isolated

have upright monuments out in isolated

have upright monuments out in isolated clauses and things that that Palenque

clauses and things that that Palenque

clauses and things that that Palenque instead given the great limestone

instead given the great limestone

instead given the great limestone sources they had put big slabs on the

sources they had put big slabs on the

sources they had put big slabs on the walls of the temples and this helped to

walls of the temples and this helped to

walls of the temples and this helped to preserve the inscriptions and the

preserve the inscriptions and the

preserve the inscriptions and the sculptures anyway because they called it

sculptures anyway because they called it

sculptures anyway because they called it on saw this thing in the summer of 1785

on saw this thing in the summer of 1785

on saw this thing in the summer of 1785 it’s how long it took people to figure

it’s how long it took people to figure

it’s how long it took people to figure out to go in there and he he drew this I

out to go in there and he he drew this I

out to go in there and he he drew this I can sympathize with this this is sort of

can sympathize with this this is sort of

can sympathize with this this is sort of what I did when I first went to you

what I did when I first went to you

what I did when I first went to you could done Jay Eric Thompson the great

could done Jay Eric Thompson the great

could done Jay Eric Thompson the great my authority had died in the 70s sir

my authority had died in the 70s sir

my authority had died in the 70s sir Eric looked over my shoulder one at one

Eric looked over my shoulder one at one

Eric looked over my shoulder one at one time and I first got to Yucatan I was

time and I first got to Yucatan I was

time and I first got to Yucatan I was making a drawing of a steel as evil

making a drawing of a steel as evil

making a drawing of a steel as evil childood and he whispered aside to dr.

childood and he whispered aside to dr.

childood and he whispered aside to dr. Andrews who was my employer

Andrews who was my employer

Andrews who was my employer that’s the worst drawing of a Mayan

that’s the worst drawing of a Mayan

that’s the worst drawing of a Mayan monument I’ve ever seen

monument I’ve ever seen

monument I’ve ever seen and that was sort of the source of my

and that was sort of the source of my

and that was sort of the source of my education I started then and looking at

education I started then and looking at

education I started then and looking at the drawing now which I still have he

the drawing now which I still have he

the drawing now which I still have he was absolutely right anyway this is what

was absolutely right anyway this is what

was absolutely right anyway this is what Calderon drew he sent it back to a

Calderon drew he sent it back to a

Calderon drew he sent it back to a storage area

storage area

storage area in Guatemala City and that so irritated

in Guatemala City and that so irritated

in Guatemala City and that so irritated the captain-general

the captain-general

the captain-general what Amala that he sent another person

what Amala that he sent another person

what Amala that he sent another person to palenque this time the royal

to palenque this time the royal

to palenque this time the royal architect who drew this picture one of

architect who drew this picture one of

architect who drew this picture one of the maya pyramids in 1786 with a little

the maya pyramids in 1786 with a little

the maya pyramids in 1786 with a little lollipop trees all over it and but you

lollipop trees all over it and but you

lollipop trees all over it and but you can see the the bar reliefs on the

can see the the bar reliefs on the

can see the the bar reliefs on the appears between the doorways and trees

appears between the doorways and trees

appears between the doorways and trees growing up and all sorts of things and

growing up and all sorts of things and

growing up and all sorts of things and he did a pretty good description he even

he did a pretty good description he even

he did a pretty good description he even did architectural cross sections some of

did architectural cross sections some of

did architectural cross sections some of the buildings show the car vault arch

the buildings show the car vault arch

the buildings show the car vault arch vaults in there in 1787 antonio del rio

vaults in there in 1787 antonio del rio

vaults in there in 1787 antonio del rio and artillery captain may v walked into

and artillery captain may v walked into

and artillery captain may v walked into palenque with a group of about 30 people

palenque with a group of about 30 people

palenque with a group of about 30 people with hatchets they cleared the area and

with hatchets they cleared the area and

with hatchets they cleared the area and they dug in all the buildings they dug

they dug in all the buildings they dug

they dug in all the buildings they dug beneath the floors and some and took

beneath the floors and some and took

beneath the floors and some and took away a lot of stones and these stones

away a lot of stones and these stones

away a lot of stones and these stones and sculptures bar reliefs all ended up

and sculptures bar reliefs all ended up

and sculptures bar reliefs all ended up in the museo de america or in a royal

in the museo de america or in a royal

in the museo de america or in a royal cabinet in madrid this is a photograph

cabinet in madrid this is a photograph

cabinet in madrid this is a photograph of the materials taken out in 1787 which

of the materials taken out in 1787 which

of the materials taken out in 1787 which is so important because this is the

is so important because this is the

is so important because this is the first real museum collection ever made

first real museum collection ever made

first real museum collection ever made in in the Maya area at least and it’s

in in the Maya area at least and it’s

in in the Maya area at least and it’s it’s still there all catalogued and

it’s still there all catalogued and

it’s still there all catalogued and everything and this is a visit that

everything and this is a visit that

everything and this is a visit that highlighting Schliemann the the famous

highlighting Schliemann the the famous

highlighting Schliemann the the famous excavator of Troy he paid a visit there

excavator of Troy he paid a visit there

excavator of Troy he paid a visit there in 1882 and asked to sit with the

in 1882 and asked to sit with the

in 1882 and asked to sit with the Palenque material on the right in the

Palenque material on the right in the

Palenque material on the right in the silk hat is one de Dios de la parada del

silk hat is one de Dios de la parada del

silk hat is one de Dios de la parada del Gado who was head of the museum and that

Gado who was head of the museum and that

Gado who was head of the museum and that Schliemann there on the left this is

Schliemann there on the left this is

Schliemann there on the left this is this guy here we don’t know who these

this guy here we don’t know who these

this guy here we don’t know who these people are but here these are

people are but here these are

people are but here these are hieroglyphic panels from the under the

hieroglyphic panels from the under the

hieroglyphic panels from the under the palace part of a stucco bar early

palace part of a stucco bar early

palace part of a stucco bar early and some other artifacts and things that

and some other artifacts and things that

and some other artifacts and things that were found at the site in 1787 little

were found at the site in 1787 little

were found at the site in 1787 little book came out in the London somebody got

book came out in the London somebody got

book came out in the London somebody got a hold of some drawings that had been

a hold of some drawings that had been

a hold of some drawings that had been made during that expedition and they

made during that expedition and they

made during that expedition and they decided it was worthwhile to publish so

decided it was worthwhile to publish so

decided it was worthwhile to publish so with this ringing title of the

with this ringing title of the

with this ringing title of the description of the ruins of an ancient

description of the ruins of an ancient

description of the ruins of an ancient city discovered in Guatemala and Spanish

city discovered in Guatemala and Spanish

city discovered in Guatemala and Spanish America because it was then part of

America because it was then part of

America because it was then part of Guatemala uh they published a book and

Guatemala uh they published a book and

Guatemala uh they published a book and in it were drawings some of the by

in it were drawings some of the by

in it were drawings some of the by reliefs the people at the time the

reliefs the people at the time the

reliefs the people at the time the artists that went in there in the 1780s

artists that went in there in the 1780s

artists that went in there in the 1780s they didn’t feel like drawing hundreds

they didn’t feel like drawing hundreds

they didn’t feel like drawing hundreds of glyphs so when they see a

of glyphs so when they see a

of glyphs so when they see a hieroglyphic panel with maybe 200

hieroglyphic panel with maybe 200

hieroglyphic panel with maybe 200 hieroglyphs they thought well you know

hieroglyphs they thought well you know

hieroglyphs they thought well you know nobody’s really going to check us out so

nobody’s really going to check us out so

nobody’s really going to check us out so they maybe draw six big ones we fill the

they maybe draw six big ones we fill the

they maybe draw six big ones we fill the space that’s what it did and this is one

space that’s what it did and this is one

space that’s what it did and this is one of the drawings but this was published

of the drawings but this was published

of the drawings but this was published and this is the least lifts would drive

and this is the least lifts would drive

and this is the least lifts would drive people crazy no matter that they were

people crazy no matter that they were

people crazy no matter that they were poorly copied and it’s only about ten

poorly copied and it’s only about ten

poorly copied and it’s only about ten out of the sixteen or so in that column

out of the sixteen or so in that column

out of the sixteen or so in that column we know now but these were published and

we know now but these were published and

we know now but these were published and this was the first thing to ever reach

this was the first thing to ever reach

this was the first thing to ever reach prayer Allah Maya ruined this guy son

prayer Allah Maya ruined this guy son

prayer Allah Maya ruined this guy son this is Constantine Samuel rafinesque

this is Constantine Samuel rafinesque

this is Constantine Samuel rafinesque Smaltz he was born about the time

Smaltz he was born about the time

Smaltz he was born about the time Calderon went to Palenque and he he

Calderon went to Palenque and he he

Calderon went to Palenque and he he hadn’t he died about 1848 1843 somewhere

hadn’t he died about 1848 1843 somewhere

hadn’t he died about 1848 1843 somewhere anyway he was a naturalist Audubon wrote

anyway he was a naturalist Audubon wrote

anyway he was a naturalist Audubon wrote about him a chapter in autobahns

about him a chapter in autobahns

about him a chapter in autobahns ornithological biography says is titled

ornithological biography says is titled

ornithological biography says is titled the eccentric naturalist that’s this guy

the eccentric naturalist that’s this guy

the eccentric naturalist that’s this guy this guy was a guest a houseguest of

this guy was a guest a houseguest of

this guy was a guest a houseguest of autobahns that time Audubon met him in

autobahns that time Audubon met him in

autobahns that time Audubon met him in the 1830s and Audubon woke one night and

the 1830s and Audubon woke one night and

the 1830s and Audubon woke one night and heard a great noise in the bedroom

heard a great noise in the bedroom

heard a great noise in the bedroom upstairs where rocky ness was staying

upstairs where rocky ness was staying

upstairs where rocky ness was staying and he went up there in Rafi and asked

and he went up there in Rafi and asked

and he went up there in Rafi and asked was had no clothes on was running around

was had no clothes on was running around

was had no clothes on was running around the room with autobahns favorite violin

the room with autobahns favorite violin

the room with autobahns favorite violin trying to kill a bat and he killed the

trying to kill a bat and he killed the

trying to kill a bat and he killed the bat and he broke the violin to

bat and he broke the violin to

bat and he broke the violin to smithereens and Audubon sort of kicked

smithereens and Audubon sort of kicked

smithereens and Audubon sort of kicked him out never wrote much about him after

him out never wrote much about him after

him out never wrote much about him after that but rafinesque was a remarkable

that but rafinesque was a remarkable

that but rafinesque was a remarkable character he was eccentric true he read

character he was eccentric true he read

character he was eccentric true he read everything he claimed have spoken 50

everything he claimed have spoken 50

everything he claimed have spoken 50 languages he was born in Constantinople

languages he was born in Constantinople

languages he was born in Constantinople and that in Philadelphia but in in

and that in Philadelphia but in in

and that in Philadelphia but in in between he wrote books on medical botany

between he wrote books on medical botany

between he wrote books on medical botany and the banking he wrote poems about the

and the banking he wrote poems about the

and the banking he wrote poems about the lost tribes of Israel and he became

lost tribes of Israel and he became

lost tribes of Israel and he became interested in in hieroglyphs

interested in in hieroglyphs

interested in in hieroglyphs particularly since champignon was was

particularly since champignon was was

particularly since champignon was was working with the egyptian hieroglyphs so

working with the egyptian hieroglyphs so

working with the egyptian hieroglyphs so he began writing a series of letters

he began writing a series of letters

he began writing a series of letters based on the hieroglyphs of Palenque

based on the hieroglyphs of Palenque

based on the hieroglyphs of Palenque particularly that column of glyphs that

particularly that column of glyphs that

particularly that column of glyphs that we saw from the temple of the Cross and

we saw from the temple of the Cross and

we saw from the temple of the Cross and these were published in Baltimore in

these were published in Baltimore in

these were published in Baltimore in 1829 rafinesque collaborated with the

1829 rafinesque collaborated with the

1829 rafinesque collaborated with the Harbormaster up there who was interested

Harbormaster up there who was interested

Harbormaster up there who was interested in American Indians and they published

in American Indians and they published

in American Indians and they published this thing and Rafi Ness

this thing and Rafi Ness

this thing and Rafi Ness had written a bunch of letters to The

had written a bunch of letters to The

had written a bunch of letters to The Saturday Evening Post with all his

Saturday Evening Post with all his

Saturday Evening Post with all his conclusions about hieroglyphs and most

conclusions about hieroglyphs and most

conclusions about hieroglyphs and most of were nonsense because you know he had

of were nonsense because you know he had

of were nonsense because you know he had nothing to work with and but he did

nothing to work with and but he did

nothing to work with and but he did figure out that the bars were fives and

figure out that the bars were fives and

figure out that the bars were fives and the dots were one so you did figure out

the dots were one so you did figure out

the dots were one so you did figure out that you know the number system the way

that you know the number system the way

that you know the number system the way of writing numbers down so that you know

of writing numbers down so that you know

of writing numbers down so that you know there’s a three and there’s a ten and

there’s a three and there’s a ten and

there’s a three and there’s a ten and there’s a six etc anyway things sort of

there’s a six etc anyway things sort of

there’s a six etc anyway things sort of stood there for a long time

stood there for a long time

stood there for a long time the guy that did the engravings for that

the guy that did the engravings for that

the guy that did the engravings for that book in 1822 was a madman sort of he was

book in 1822 was a madman sort of he was

book in 1822 was a madman sort of he was Jean Frederic maximilian de valdek a

Jean Frederic maximilian de valdek a

Jean Frederic maximilian de valdek a self-styled count who at the age of 56

self-styled count who at the age of 56

self-styled count who at the age of 56 got a got a job at the printing house in

got a got a job at the printing house in

got a got a job at the printing house in london did the engravings for that book

london did the engravings for that book

london did the engravings for that book but he was so enthralled by what he saw

but he was so enthralled by what he saw

but he was so enthralled by what he saw that he moved to planky in 1832 and

that he moved to planky in 1832 and

that he moved to planky in 1832 and started drawing the ruins he did a

started drawing the ruins he did a

started drawing the ruins he did a wonderful job all of his drawings are

wonderful job all of his drawings are

wonderful job all of his drawings are most of them at least are in the

most of them at least are in the

most of them at least are in the Newberry Library in Chicago and these

Newberry Library in Chicago and these

Newberry Library in Chicago and these are the heard of the piers that Bob

are the heard of the piers that Bob

are the heard of the piers that Bob reliefs on the areas between the doorway

reliefs on the areas between the doorway

reliefs on the areas between the doorway that palanca he did in the 1830s he gets

that palanca he did in the 1830s he gets

that palanca he did in the 1830s he gets a lot of bad press because people claim

a lot of bad press because people claim

a lot of bad press because people claim that he put elephant trunks and a lot of

that he put elephant trunks and a lot of

that he put elephant trunks and a lot of his glyphs but that was really in the

his glyphs but that was really in the

his glyphs but that was really in the published works and that was the work of

published works and that was the work of

published works and that was the work of the engraver not him he did a fair job

the engraver not him he did a fair job

the engraver not him he did a fair job at drawing this thing that collar on it

at drawing this thing that collar on it

at drawing this thing that collar on it seemed pretty nice and he drew all the

seemed pretty nice and he drew all the

seemed pretty nice and he drew all the glyphs which was really remarkable and

glyphs which was really remarkable and

glyphs which was really remarkable and he also he messed around a lot he he

he also he messed around a lot he he

he also he messed around a lot he he moved in with a polite local Palenque

moved in with a polite local Palenque

moved in with a polite local Palenque woman who had a house built at the foot

woman who had a house built at the foot

woman who had a house built at the foot of the temple of the cross and to

of the temple of the cross and to

of the temple of the cross and to illustrate his books there his

illustrate his books there his

illustrate his books there his inscriptions of the subterraneous and

inscriptions of the subterraneous and

inscriptions of the subterraneous and the aqueduct at linky and everything he

the aqueduct at linky and everything he

the aqueduct at linky and everything he would do these drawings of his friends

would do these drawings of his friends

would do these drawings of his friends in Palenque all this got so much

in Palenque all this got so much

in Palenque all this got so much publicity to other people reading about

publicity to other people reading about

publicity to other people reading about it and that was John Lloyd Stephens it

it and that was John Lloyd Stephens it

it and that was John Lloyd Stephens it was a New York lawyer and his friend

was a New York lawyer and his friend

was a New York lawyer and his friend Frederick Catherwood who was an

Frederick Catherwood who was an

Frederick Catherwood who was an architect and they kept tweeting about

architect and they kept tweeting about

architect and they kept tweeting about this stuff they read the 1822 report and

this stuff they read the 1822 report and

this stuff they read the 1822 report and they read the accounts of to pay their

they read the accounts of to pay their

they read the accounts of to pay their Humboldt all these things and it was not

Humboldt all these things and it was not

Humboldt all these things and it was not talking about these rulings of Otto loom

talking about these rulings of Otto loom

talking about these rulings of Otto loom or Palenque so they had to go down there

or Palenque so they had to go down there

or Palenque so they had to go down there and so they went they get appointed by

and so they went they get appointed by

and so they went they get appointed by President Van Buren as a diplomatic team

President Van Buren as a diplomatic team

President Van Buren as a diplomatic team and they were chosen to go down and find

and they were chosen to go down and find

and they were chosen to go down and find the government of Central America

the government of Central America

the government of Central America because it was in revolution and they

because it was in revolution and they

because it was in revolution and they went and then they says they got there

went and then they says they got there

went and then they says they got there they took off their epaulets and

they took off their epaulets and

they took off their epaulets and everything and got down to the real work

everything and got down to the real work

everything and got down to the real work they had come to do which was drawing

they had come to do which was drawing

they had come to do which was drawing all the ruins and they journeyed all

all the ruins and they journeyed all

all the ruins and they journeyed all over the place published an incredible

over the place published an incredible

over the place published an incredible amount of drawings and texts wonderful

amount of drawings and texts wonderful

amount of drawings and texts wonderful reads every year I read Stevens and

reads every year I read Stevens and

reads every year I read Stevens and Catherwood did the drawings this is his

Catherwood did the drawings this is his

Catherwood did the drawings this is his version of Palenque clearly done from

version of Palenque clearly done from

version of Palenque clearly done from memory because he was really ill during

memory because he was really ill during

memory because he was really ill during the trip but he stuck it out and and

the trip but he stuck it out and and

the trip but he stuck it out and and really did a good job and heartburn

really did a good job and heartburn

really did a good job and heartburn rather sold eleven editions of this

rather sold eleven editions of this

rather sold eleven editions of this stuff in 1841 and again in 1843 so these

stuff in 1841 and again in 1843 so these

stuff in 1841 and again in 1843 so these were bestsellers they went all over the

were bestsellers they went all over the

were bestsellers they went all over the world they were translated into German

world they were translated into German

world they were translated into German and French etc and they got picked up in

and French etc and they got picked up in

and French etc and they got picked up in installments in magazines like this one

installments in magazines like this one

installments in magazines like this one in London and

in London and

in London and the Saturday magazine there’s the palace

the Saturday magazine there’s the palace

the Saturday magazine there’s the palace again at Palenque

again at Palenque

again at Palenque none of this escaped the attention of PT

none of this escaped the attention of PT

none of this escaped the attention of PT Barnum who ran a big show up in New York

Barnum who ran a big show up in New York

Barnum who ran a big show up in New York in Albany and he decided he would take

in Albany and he decided he would take

in Albany and he decided he would take advantage of this sudden interest in

advantage of this sudden interest in

advantage of this sudden interest in Palenque and so he heard two Salvadorian

Palenque and so he heard two Salvadorian

Palenque and so he heard two Salvadorian children maxima and Bartolo and he

children maxima and Bartolo and he

children maxima and Bartolo and he proclaimed them to be Aztec Lilliputians

proclaimed them to be Aztec Lilliputians

proclaimed them to be Aztec Lilliputians from the lost Maya city of ischemia and

from the lost Maya city of ischemia and

from the lost Maya city of ischemia and these children were taken literally

these children were taken literally

these children were taken literally around the European Circuit they met

around the European Circuit they met

around the European Circuit they met Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria

Queen Victoria this was the pamphlet that came out

this was the pamphlet that came out

this was the pamphlet that came out showing the Temple of the Sun panel

showing the Temple of the Sun panel

showing the Temple of the Sun panel their Palenque at the top and but Barnum

their Palenque at the top and but Barnum

their Palenque at the top and but Barnum you know made a lot of money off this

you know made a lot of money off this

you know made a lot of money off this and this really just increased the

and this really just increased the

and this really just increased the public knowledge of Palenque in a whole

public knowledge of Palenque in a whole

public knowledge of Palenque in a whole series of visitors the most important

series of visitors the most important

series of visitors the most important which was Alfred Percival Maudsley it

which was Alfred Percival Maudsley it

which was Alfred Percival Maudsley it came through the area in the 1880s and

came through the area in the 1880s and

came through the area in the 1880s and 90s and took photographs had all the

90s and took photographs had all the

90s and took photographs had all the sights cleared and made incredible

sights cleared and made incredible

sights cleared and made incredible drawings and photographs his artist

drawings and photographs his artist

drawings and photographs his artist Annie Hunter in London made incredibly

Annie Hunter in London made incredibly

Annie Hunter in London made incredibly accurate drawings of the inscriptions

accurate drawings of the inscriptions

accurate drawings of the inscriptions and things that blinky so we finally get

and things that blinky so we finally get

and things that blinky so we finally get the stuff done right Catherine would

the stuff done right Catherine would

the stuff done right Catherine would came close archeology came to Planck in

came close archeology came to Planck in

came close archeology came to Planck in 1934 I guess really the first time

1934 I guess really the first time

1934 I guess really the first time anybody went on there with

anybody went on there with

anybody went on there with serious-minded was 85 years ago December

serious-minded was 85 years ago December

serious-minded was 85 years ago December the 14th 1922 when Franz Baum was hired

the 14th 1922 when Franz Baum was hired

the 14th 1922 when Franz Baum was hired by the Mexican government or at least

by the Mexican government or at least

by the Mexican government or at least the archaeological establishment to go

the archaeological establishment to go

the archaeological establishment to go see what he could suggest about doing

see what he could suggest about doing

see what he could suggest about doing about these ruins so he sort of walked

about these ruins so he sort of walked

about these ruins so he sort of walked around cleared it and mapped it and did

around cleared it and mapped it and did

around cleared it and mapped it and did some things and suggested a program of

some things and suggested a program of

some things and suggested a program of excavation in 1934 when Mexico formed

excavation in 1934 when Mexico formed

excavation in 1934 when Mexico formed its National Institute of anthropology

its National Institute of anthropology

its National Institute of anthropology in history they sent a Miguel on

in history they sent a Miguel on

in history they sent a Miguel on hillford and I’m des they’re to start

hillford and I’m des they’re to start

hillford and I’m des they’re to start digging the palace and he did mm-hmm

digging the palace and he did mm-hmm

digging the palace and he did mm-hmm they looked around and they found in

they looked around and they found in

they looked around and they found in this little courtyard they found

this little courtyard they found

this little courtyard they found palenque’s bathrooms

palenque’s bathrooms

palenque’s bathrooms system of bathrooms and drainage and

system of bathrooms and drainage and

system of bathrooms and drainage and sewage and everything the palace it’s

sewage and everything the palace it’s

sewage and everything the palace it’s the only example we have from the entire

the only example we have from the entire

the only example we have from the entire Maya area yet anyway uh they notice

Maya area yet anyway uh they notice

Maya area yet anyway uh they notice these rooms and they found this hallway

these rooms and they found this hallway

these rooms and they found this hallway with an oval tablet on it which was

with an oval tablet on it which was

with an oval tablet on it which was pretty incredible and then they found a

pretty incredible and then they found a

pretty incredible and then they found a slab of stone in here there’s the oval

slab of stone in here there’s the oval

slab of stone in here there’s the oval tablet that had been drawn in 1787

tablet that had been drawn in 1787

tablet that had been drawn in 1787 throne was gone this is the throne leg

throne was gone this is the throne leg

throne was gone this is the throne leg that was sent to Madrid and this is in

that was sent to Madrid and this is in

that was sent to Madrid and this is in fragments now in the warehouse at

fragments now in the warehouse at

fragments now in the warehouse at Palenque but it’s not in the original

Palenque but it’s not in the original

Palenque but it’s not in the original building let me finish the palace they

building let me finish the palace they

building let me finish the palace they started looking over the temple of the

started looking over the temple of the

started looking over the temple of the inscriptions this is how it was in 1942

inscriptions this is how it was in 1942

inscriptions this is how it was in 1942 in 1948 when Alberto reus was hired to

in 1948 when Alberto reus was hired to

in 1948 when Alberto reus was hired to start and he walked in the temple up

start and he walked in the temple up

start and he walked in the temple up there and he noticed something that

there and he noticed something that

there and he noticed something that Stevens hadn’t seen or Catherine would

Stevens hadn’t seen or Catherine would

Stevens hadn’t seen or Catherine would or anybody and that is that the floor of

or anybody and that is that the floor of

or anybody and that is that the floor of the temple was made out of big stone

the temple was made out of big stone

the temple was made out of big stone slabs with holes in them

slabs with holes in them

slabs with holes in them Del Rio in 1787 it sort of cracked a

Del Rio in 1787 it sort of cracked a

Del Rio in 1787 it sort of cracked a couple of them so Berto had the workers

couple of them so Berto had the workers

couple of them so Berto had the workers pull up the stone and underneath the

pull up the stone and underneath the

pull up the stone and underneath the stone there was two steps leading down

stone there was two steps leading down

stone there was two steps leading down well you know how budgets are in

well you know how budgets are in

well you know how budgets are in archaeology he didn’t know whether it

archaeology he didn’t know whether it

archaeology he didn’t know whether it went down four more feet and stopped or

went down four more feet and stopped or

went down four more feet and stopped or whether there were three steps so he

whether there were three steps so he

whether there were three steps so he decided to go for it this was in 1948 at

decided to go for it this was in 1948 at

decided to go for it this was in 1948 at the end of the summer of 48 he’d gone

the end of the summer of 48 he’d gone

the end of the summer of 48 he’d gone down 23 steps 1949 he went down about 23

down 23 steps 1949 he went down about 23

down 23 steps 1949 he went down about 23 steps again 1950 51 52 finally in June

steps again 1950 51 52 finally in June

steps again 1950 51 52 finally in June of 1952 he walked into this empty room

of 1952 he walked into this empty room

of 1952 he walked into this empty room at the bottom and there was nothing

at the bottom and there was nothing

at the bottom and there was nothing there

there

there but he had a group of Maya with him

but he had a group of Maya with him

but he had a group of Maya with him stonemasons from Auschwitz Cobb Yucatan

stonemasons from Auschwitz Cobb Yucatan

stonemasons from Auschwitz Cobb Yucatan and a loop of local Palin condos and one

and a loop of local Palin condos and one

and a loop of local Palin condos and one chablais

chablais

chablais who was one of the Masons the head Mason

who was one of the Masons the head Mason

who was one of the Masons the head Mason sit down Alberto there’s a funny-looking

sit down Alberto there’s a funny-looking

sit down Alberto there’s a funny-looking little triangular stone over there

little triangular stone over there

little triangular stone over there against the wall if we could move that

against the wall if we could move that

against the wall if we could move that I’ll bitch into something behind it and

I’ll bitch into something behind it and

I’ll bitch into something behind it and Alberto said can’t lives let’s try we’ve

Alberto said can’t lives let’s try we’ve

Alberto said can’t lives let’s try we’ve done this we’ve gone down the steps and

done this we’ve gone down the steps and

done this we’ve gone down the steps and we’re skeletons and rubble and pottery

we’re skeletons and rubble and pottery

we’re skeletons and rubble and pottery and caches and everything and so there

and caches and everything and so there

and caches and everything and so there must be something down here so they move

must be something down here so they move

must be something down here so they move the triangular stone aside but then they

the triangular stone aside but then they

the triangular stone aside but then they open the slab and there was a room a

open the slab and there was a room a

open the slab and there was a room a room with a stone in it and he thought

room with a stone in it and he thought

room with a stone in it and he thought hmm he was with says our science another

hmm he was with says our science another

hmm he was with says our science another archeologist and Alberto told me later

archeologist and Alberto told me later

archeologist and Alberto told me later that you know he thought it was a Walter

that you know he thought it was a Walter

that you know he thought it was a Walter a table he didn’t know what it was

a table he didn’t know what it was

a table he didn’t know what it was nobody ever found anything like that and

nobody ever found anything like that and

nobody ever found anything like that and then he came back in one chat Lake the

then he came back in one chat Lake the

then he came back in one chat Lake the Mason said hey Don Alberto

Mason said hey Don Alberto

Mason said hey Don Alberto why don’t you drill a hole in the side

why don’t you drill a hole in the side

why don’t you drill a hole in the side of this thing and see if it’s hollow he

of this thing and see if it’s hollow he

of this thing and see if it’s hollow he did and it was we went into town and got

did and it was we went into town and got

did and it was we went into town and got fifteen automobile jacks and pull the

fifteen automobile jacks and pull the

fifteen automobile jacks and pull the thing up and there was a body inside and

thing up and there was a body inside and

thing up and there was a body inside and so what I’m going to do is let David

so what I’m going to do is let David

so what I’m going to do is let David take the story here for a while

take the story here for a while

take the story here for a while and talk about the man in the tomb

okay we’re going to shift gears a little

okay we’re going to shift gears a little bit and and look at a lot of detail at

bit and and look at a lot of detail at

bit and and look at a lot of detail at what turned out to be I guess the

what turned out to be I guess the

what turned out to be I guess the American equivalent if there is one to

American equivalent if there is one to

American equivalent if there is one to King Tut’s tomb I mean it’s it’s the

King Tut’s tomb I mean it’s it’s the

King Tut’s tomb I mean it’s it’s the most famous royal ancient royal burial

most famous royal ancient royal burial

most famous royal ancient royal burial in in all of the Americas arguably the

in in all of the Americas arguably the

in in all of the Americas arguably the man inside of course the identity of

man inside of course the identity of

man inside of course the identity of this person ruse wasn’t aware of in 1952

this person ruse wasn’t aware of in 1952

this person ruse wasn’t aware of in 1952 in fact his name wasn’t really fully

in fact his name wasn’t really fully

in fact his name wasn’t really fully deciphered until about 15 years ago but

deciphered until about 15 years ago but

deciphered until about 15 years ago but a bit before that people knew part of

a bit before that people knew part of

a bit before that people knew part of his name and he’s usually simply just

his name and he’s usually simply just

his name and he’s usually simply just called POC Col and puck Hall is right

called POC Col and puck Hall is right

called POC Col and puck Hall is right over there on the other side of the

over there on the other side of the

over there on the other side of the stage looking out I was thinking if

stage looking out I was thinking if

stage looking out I was thinking if there was an empty seat he might like to

there was an empty seat he might like to

there was an empty seat he might like to maybe a look on at the screen but we’ll

maybe a look on at the screen but we’ll

maybe a look on at the screen but we’ll see an image of that head in a little

see an image of that head in a little

see an image of that head in a little bit his full name was in each hub Pacala

bit his full name was in each hub Pacala

bit his full name was in each hub Pacala and he was the greatest king of Palenque

and he was the greatest king of Palenque

and he was the greatest king of Palenque one of the greatest of all Maya Kings

one of the greatest of all Maya Kings

one of the greatest of all Maya Kings now you’ve seen an image of this oval

now you’ve seen an image of this oval

now you’ve seen an image of this oval tablet this is the carving that is set

tablet this is the carving that is set

tablet this is the carving that is set into the back wall of one of the

into the back wall of one of the

into the back wall of one of the structures and the palace and the image

structures and the palace and the image

structures and the palace and the image of on the back wall was we think the

of on the back wall was we think the

of on the back wall was we think the earliest portrait of Paco so here he is

earliest portrait of Paco so here he is

earliest portrait of Paco so here he is on the the throne seated and his mother

on the the throne seated and his mother

on the the throne seated and his mother is presenting him with the this royal

is presenting him with the this royal

is presenting him with the this royal headdress the the military headdress a

headdress the the military headdress a

headdress the the military headdress a symbol of his kind of duty as king to

symbol of his kind of duty as king to

symbol of his kind of duty as king to wage war now pock Hall was born in the

wage war now pock Hall was born in the

wage war now pock Hall was born in the year 603 AD we know from the

year 603 AD we know from the

year 603 AD we know from the inscriptions he he came to power in 615

inscriptions he he came to power in 615

inscriptions he he came to power in 615 it was 12 years old when he became King

what’s interesting about Pacal however

what’s interesting about Pacal however is that the first records we have of him

is that the first records we have of him

is that the first records we have of him probably including also this this panel

probably including also this this panel

probably including also this this panel are much later and probably date to the

are much later and probably date to the

are much later and probably date to the 646 50s ad so he was actually raining

646 50s ad so he was actually raining

646 50s ad so he was actually raining for quite a long time before he really

for quite a long time before he really

for quite a long time before he really left his mark or began to leave his mark

left his mark or began to leave his mark

left his mark or began to leave his mark in the palace most of the palace was

in the palace most of the palace was

in the palace most of the palace was except for the tower and a few other

except for the tower and a few other

except for the tower and a few other structures was actually built by him in

structures was actually built by him in

structures was actually built by him in the mid-7th century including the the

the mid-7th century including the the

the mid-7th century including the the building where that held the throne his

building where that held the throne his

building where that held the throne his mother was very important her name was a

mother was very important her name was a

mother was very important her name was a lady suc kook or lady white Quetzal and

lady suc kook or lady white Quetzal and

lady suc kook or lady white Quetzal and she passed away not long actually before

she passed away not long actually before

she passed away not long actually before he goes on this this really ambitious

he goes on this this really ambitious

he goes on this this really ambitious program of building and and carving

program of building and and carving

program of building and and carving inscriptions and so forth you know when

inscriptions and so forth you know when

inscriptions and so forth you know when you come to power when you’re 12 years

you come to power when you’re 12 years

you come to power when you’re 12 years old I think your mother probably is

old I think your mother probably is

old I think your mother probably is wielding a lot of the power behind the

wielding a lot of the power behind the

wielding a lot of the power behind the throne and I think you know the reading

throne and I think you know the reading

throne and I think you know the reading between the lines I think maybe she had

between the lines I think maybe she had

between the lines I think maybe she had to kind of pass away before he really

to kind of pass away before he really

to kind of pass away before he really became comfortable as king and and

became comfortable as king and and

became comfortable as king and and really decided to take off so to speak

really decided to take off so to speak

really decided to take off so to speak the other thing to keep in mind is that

the other thing to keep in mind is that

the other thing to keep in mind is that you know Palenque had suffered quite a

you know Palenque had suffered quite a

you know Palenque had suffered quite a bit politically around the year 599 600

bit politically around the year 599 600

bit politically around the year 599 600 when it was conquered by the great city

when it was conquered by the great city

when it was conquered by the great city of Calakmul and so when Pacal was born

of Calakmul and so when Pacal was born

of Calakmul and so when Pacal was born I think Palenque was really in a very

I think Palenque was really in a very

I think Palenque was really in a very problematic period of its history so it

problematic period of its history so it

problematic period of its history so it took many decades I think for for

took many decades I think for for

took many decades I think for for Palenque and Pacal as a great King to

Palenque and Pacal as a great King to

Palenque and Pacal as a great King to reassert Palenque as as a important

reassert Palenque as as a important

reassert Palenque as as a important royal court this is one reason why he is

royal court this is one reason why he is

royal court this is one reason why he is so important he was really venerated by

so important he was really venerated by

so important he was really venerated by later Kings as his you know his

later Kings as his you know his

later Kings as his you know his descendants as a great historical figure

descendants as a great historical figure

descendants as a great historical figure that really brought Palenque back from

that really brought Palenque back from

that really brought Palenque back from the brink and here he is we can

the brink and here he is we can

the brink and here he is we can recognize him simply by his face

recognize him simply by his face

recognize him simply by his face Palenque art is so realistic and

Palenque art is so realistic and

Palenque art is so realistic and portraiture is so sensitive

portraiture is so sensitive

portraiture is so sensitive that when a sculpture a relief such as

that when a sculpture a relief such as

that when a sculpture a relief such as this is found we can that we know

this is found we can that we know

this is found we can that we know exactly who this is even if we didn’t

exactly who this is even if we didn’t

exactly who this is even if we didn’t have his name glyph but what we do in

have his name glyph but what we do in

have his name glyph but what we do in this case

this is PUC Hall as a older man probably

this is PUC Hall as a older man probably later in his life as opposed to that

later in his life as opposed to that

later in his life as opposed to that early portrait we just saw and the

early portrait we just saw and the

early portrait we just saw and the temple of the inscriptions where ruse

temple of the inscriptions where ruse

temple of the inscriptions where ruse was excavating is really pakal’s temple

was excavating is really pakal’s temple

was excavating is really pakal’s temple that is why it’s near the palace and

that is why it’s near the palace and

that is why it’s near the palace and that’s why it’s really loo mning over

that’s why it’s really loo mning over

that’s why it’s really loo mning over literally the space the center of the

literally the space the center of the

literally the space the center of the site the upper temple here is decorated

site the upper temple here is decorated

site the upper temple here is decorated still on the exterior with these plaster

still on the exterior with these plaster

still on the exterior with these plaster decorations and they’re a bit hard to

decorations and they’re a bit hard to

decorations and they’re a bit hard to see these days but you can see the steps

see these days but you can see the steps

see these days but you can see the steps here leading into the central doorway

here leading into the central doorway

here leading into the central doorway and you can see there are these standing

and you can see there are these standing

and you can see there are these standing figures portrayed on the outer piers

figures portrayed on the outer piers

figures portrayed on the outer piers these were actually drawn in some of

these were actually drawn in some of

these were actually drawn in some of those early architectural renderings

those early architectural renderings

those early architectural renderings these are I believe the father and the

these are I believe the father and the

these are I believe the father and the mother of Paco and also two of his

mother of Paco and also two of his

mother of Paco and also two of his ancestors on the outer doorways so as

ancestors on the outer doorways so as

ancestors on the outer doorways so as you walk into the temple inscriptions

you walk into the temple inscriptions

you walk into the temple inscriptions into his funerary building you’re you’re

into his funerary building you’re you’re

into his funerary building you’re you’re greeted by you know these ancestral

greeted by you know these ancestral

greeted by you know these ancestral these predecessors of Paco

these predecessors of Paco

these predecessors of Paco who are there to greet you and so you’re

who are there to greet you and so you’re

who are there to greet you and so you’re walking into this inner sanctum which is

walking into this inner sanctum which is

walking into this inner sanctum which is really all about his place in the

really all about his place in the

really all about his place in the history of Palenque his importance and

history of Palenque his importance and

history of Palenque his importance and as you walk in in between those pillars

as you walk in in between those pillars

as you walk in in between those pillars you see the beautiful preservation of

you see the beautiful preservation of

you see the beautiful preservation of the temple this is really not restored

the temple this is really not restored

the temple this is really not restored this is as it as it looked to the first

this is as it as it looked to the first

this is as it as it looked to the first explorers and as it looks today and it’s

explorers and as it looks today and it’s

explorers and as it looks today and it’s really interesting to read what they’re

really interesting to read what they’re

really interesting to read what they’re talking about in these inscriptions this

talking about in these inscriptions this

talking about in these inscriptions this is the back panel a modern drawing this

is the back panel a modern drawing this

is the back panel a modern drawing this is Linda she leads drawing of the glyphs

is Linda she leads drawing of the glyphs

is Linda she leads drawing of the glyphs there’s a lot of this it’s really opaque

there’s a lot of this it’s really opaque

there’s a lot of this it’s really opaque and really hard for us to understand but

and really hard for us to understand but

and really hard for us to understand but we get a sense of you know this long

we get a sense of you know this long

we get a sense of you know this long narrative about Pacal and his long reign

narrative about Pacal and his long reign

narrative about Pacal and his long reign and all of the things he did venerating

and all of the things he did venerating

and all of the things he did venerating the gods and keeping the cosmos going

the gods and keeping the cosmos going

the gods and keeping the cosmos going but they’re characterizing this

but they’re characterizing this

but they’re characterizing this beginning

beginning

beginning um point of his reign where you know he

um point of his reign where you know he

um point of his reign where you know he is building the palace and he’s

is building the palace and he’s

is building the palace and he’s reconquering lands that Palenque had

reconquering lands that Palenque had

reconquering lands that Palenque had lost previously but there couching this

lost previously but there couching this

lost previously but there couching this history and very esoteric religious

history and very esoteric religious

history and very esoteric religious terminology and I want to share a little

terminology and I want to share a little

terminology and I want to share a little bit of this with you there’s one passage

bit of this with you there’s one passage

bit of this with you there’s one passage here where they’re talking about the

here where they’re talking about the

here where they’re talking about the eleventh cartoon right this is in in the

eleventh cartoon right this is in in the

eleventh cartoon right this is in in the mid 7th century and not many my

mid 7th century and not many my

mid 7th century and not many my inscriptions are you know translated in

inscriptions are you know translated in

inscriptions are you know translated in books for you to go read and and and

books for you to go read and and and

books for you to go read and and and ponder you know this is really esoteric

ponder you know this is really esoteric

ponder you know this is really esoteric stuff but I’m I made a stab at actually

stuff but I’m I made a stab at actually

stuff but I’m I made a stab at actually translating this passage for you to see

translating this passage for you to see

translating this passage for you to see if you can sort of get a sense of what

if you can sort of get a sense of what

if you can sort of get a sense of what they’re saying and this is more or less

they’re saying and this is more or less

they’re saying and this is more or less I think what they’re what they’re

I think what they’re what they’re

I think what they’re what they’re talking about and I’ll explain what this

talking about and I’ll explain what this

talking about and I’ll explain what this means

means

means 12:08 cake that’s the date is the 11th

12:08 cake that’s the date is the 11th

12:08 cake that’s the date is the 11th the cartoon that’s pretty easy he rules

the cartoon that’s pretty easy he rules

the cartoon that’s pretty easy he rules the shiny sky maze that’s the god of the

the shiny sky maze that’s the god of the

the shiny sky maze that’s the god of the number 12 because it’s 12 how and on

number 12 because it’s 12 how and on

number 12 because it’s 12 how and on that on that day or in this time period

that on that day or in this time period

that on that day or in this time period this 20 year period they’re

this 20 year period they’re

this 20 year period they’re characterizing this chunk of time in a

characterizing this chunk of time in a

characterizing this chunk of time in a sense the shiny jewel tree sprouts and

sense the shiny jewel tree sprouts and

sense the shiny jewel tree sprouts and some other cosmic tree sprouts

some other cosmic tree sprouts

some other cosmic tree sprouts it’s the heavenly load it’s the earthly

it’s the heavenly load it’s the earthly

it’s the heavenly load it’s the earthly load that means a load of riches like

load that means a load of riches like

load that means a load of riches like Jade Jade collars Jade ear ornaments are

Jade Jade collars Jade ear ornaments are

Jade Jade collars Jade ear ornaments are bestowed upon the nine sky supports of

bestowed upon the nine sky supports of

bestowed upon the nine sky supports of the Sun the sixteen supports of the Sun

the Sun the sixteen supports of the Sun

the Sun the sixteen supports of the Sun the dynastic Lords what in the world is

the dynastic Lords what in the world is

the dynastic Lords what in the world is this all about what they’re saying is

this all about what they’re saying is

this all about what they’re saying is that in in this when pop Hall is really

that in in this when pop Hall is really

that in in this when pop Hall is really powerful when putt when Palenque is

powerful when putt when Palenque is

powerful when putt when Palenque is receiving tribute from from its

receiving tribute from from its

receiving tribute from from its vanquished subordinates when Jade

vanquished subordinates when Jade

vanquished subordinates when Jade literally is pouring into the court into

literally is pouring into the court into

literally is pouring into the court into the palace through tribute that the the

the palace through tribute that the the

the palace through tribute that the the tree of jade is sprouting right riches

tree of jade is sprouting right riches

tree of jade is sprouting right riches are are just pouring all over Palenque

are are just pouring all over Palenque

are are just pouring all over Palenque and the gods are pleased the cosmos is

and the gods are pleased the cosmos is

and the gods are pleased the cosmos is pleased and the dynastic lords are being

pleased and the dynastic lords are being

pleased and the dynastic lords are being you know dressed and adorned with all of

you know dressed and adorned with all of

you know dressed and adorned with all of this finery so it’s it’s a very

this finery so it’s it’s a very

this finery so it’s it’s a very specific kind of language which really

specific kind of language which really

specific kind of language which really just describing the good times of

just describing the good times of

just describing the good times of polenka as opposed to earlier times that

polenka as opposed to earlier times that

polenka as opposed to earlier times that are characterized very differently in

are characterized very differently in

are characterized very differently in this narrative so Paco’s reign is all

this narrative so Paco’s reign is all

this narrative so Paco’s reign is all about richness it’s all about really

about richness it’s all about really

about richness it’s all about really economic boom times and this is what

economic boom times and this is what

economic boom times and this is what Roose saw in 1952 right now this is a

Roose saw in 1952 right now this is a

Roose saw in 1952 right now this is a sarcophagus and the symbolism of it is

sarcophagus and the symbolism of it is

sarcophagus and the symbolism of it is really quite extraordinary you know I’ll

really quite extraordinary you know I’ll

really quite extraordinary you know I’ll spend a bit of time I could go on for

spend a bit of time I could go on for

spend a bit of time I could go on for hours but I want and the sides of the

hours but I want and the sides of the

hours but I want and the sides of the sarcophagus were carved in these

sarcophagus were carved in these

sarcophagus were carved in these extraordinary images of ancestors of the

extraordinary images of ancestors of the

extraordinary images of ancestors of the royal house of Palenque all of Paco’s

royal house of Palenque all of Paco’s

royal house of Palenque all of Paco’s predecessors but they’re not just

predecessors but they’re not just

predecessors but they’re not just portraits they’re they’re kind of

portraits they’re they’re kind of

portraits they’re they’re kind of strange in a way because they’re plant

strange in a way because they’re plant

strange in a way because they’re plant people the ancestors of Paco including

people the ancestors of Paco including

people the ancestors of Paco including here his mother and his father are shown

here his mother and his father are shown

here his mother and his father are shown as fruiting trees that burst up out of

as fruiting trees that burst up out of

as fruiting trees that burst up out of the ground lady white cuts all his

the ground lady white cuts all his

the ground lady white cuts all his mother on the left is shown as a cacao

mother on the left is shown as a cacao

mother on the left is shown as a cacao tree you see the cacao pods his father

tree you see the cacao pods his father

tree you see the cacao pods his father is shown is another kind of it looks

is shown is another kind of it looks

is shown is another kind of it looks like grapes there but it’s not some

like grapes there but it’s not some

like grapes there but it’s not some other kind of fruiting tree and the

other kind of fruiting tree and the

other kind of fruiting tree and the ancestors all around the sarcophagus are

ancestors all around the sarcophagus are

ancestors all around the sarcophagus are shown with different kinds of food

shown with different kinds of food

shown with different kinds of food plants in this idea of sustenance and

plants in this idea of sustenance and

plants in this idea of sustenance and and the continuity of life and an

and the continuity of life and an

and the continuity of life and an ancestral rebirth these are all themes

ancestral rebirth these are all themes

ancestral rebirth these are all themes that are extremely important in this

that are extremely important in this

that are extremely important in this tomb this is an early photograph of Paco

tomb this is an early photograph of Paco

tomb this is an early photograph of Paco himself in his tomb after the inner slab

himself in his tomb after the inner slab

himself in his tomb after the inner slab was lifted this is one piece of stone

was lifted this is one piece of stone

was lifted this is one piece of stone all carved carved out it’s certainly

all carved carved out it’s certainly

all carved carved out it’s certainly well preserved in some ways but you know

well preserved in some ways but you know

well preserved in some ways but you know his skull was very badly damaged we’ll

his skull was very badly damaged we’ll

his skull was very badly damaged we’ll see a good example a good photograph of

see a good example a good photograph of

see a good example a good photograph of that soon but he was covered in Jade as

that soon but he was covered in Jade as

that soon but he was covered in Jade as a good Maya King would be Jade collar

a good Maya King would be Jade collar

a good Maya King would be Jade collar Jade bracelets and an extraordinary mask

Jade bracelets and an extraordinary mask

Jade bracelets and an extraordinary mask as well here is Paco this

as well here is Paco this

as well here is Paco this photograph taken in 1952 by the physical

photograph taken in 1952 by the physical

photograph taken in 1952 by the physical anthropologist who was working with the

anthropologist who was working with the

anthropologist who was working with the skeleton they’ve only recently only some

skeleton they’ve only recently only some

skeleton they’ve only recently only some of them have recently been published but

of them have recently been published but

of them have recently been published but most of them remain unpublished

most of them remain unpublished

most of them remain unpublished extraordinary photographs what you’re

extraordinary photographs what you’re

extraordinary photographs what you’re seeing here of course is some of the

seeing here of course is some of the

seeing here of course is some of the Jade and the mask you see how it’s

Jade and the mask you see how it’s

Jade and the mask you see how it’s slumped over to one side off of his

slumped over to one side off of his

slumped over to one side off of his skull but you can see part of it still

skull but you can see part of it still

skull but you can see part of it still articulated right in fact the eye is

articulated right in fact the eye is

articulated right in fact the eye is right here and some of the mosaic work

right here and some of the mosaic work

right here and some of the mosaic work is still together well this was

is still together well this was

is still together well this was reconstructed and actually just recently

reconstructed and actually just recently

reconstructed and actually just recently reanalyzed Andrey put back together by

reanalyzed Andrey put back together by

reanalyzed Andrey put back together by Laura feel oi in Mexico City and this is

Laura feel oi in Mexico City and this is

Laura feel oi in Mexico City and this is the Jade mask unbelievable

the Jade mask unbelievable

the Jade mask unbelievable it it’s a life mask again of him you can

it it’s a life mask again of him you can

it it’s a life mask again of him you can recognize him not only in the 2d

recognize him not only in the 2d

recognize him not only in the 2d portraits but in the three-dimensional

portraits but in the three-dimensional

portraits but in the three-dimensional portraits as well the ear ornaments that

portraits as well the ear ornaments that

portraits as well the ear ornaments that were slumped you know next to him there

were slumped you know next to him there

were slumped you know next to him there were not on him they were on the Jade

were not on him they were on the Jade

were not on him they were on the Jade mask this is a it’s a mask of life right

mask this is a it’s a mask of life right

mask this is a it’s a mask of life right Jade the color green that that it

Jade the color green that that it

Jade the color green that that it precious material it’s the the the color

precious material it’s the the the color

precious material it’s the the the color of fresh corn you know all of these

of fresh corn you know all of these

of fresh corn you know all of these symbols were very important to the Maya

symbols were very important to the Maya

symbols were very important to the Maya in the mouth you see that kind of

in the mouth you see that kind of

in the mouth you see that kind of t-shaped piece of jade which one might

t-shaped piece of jade which one might

t-shaped piece of jade which one might say as well that maybe is the filed

say as well that maybe is the filed

say as well that maybe is the filed tooth of the king but if you look at his

tooth of the king but if you look at his

tooth of the king but if you look at his teeth they don’t look like that

teeth they don’t look like that

teeth they don’t look like that that’s actually the symbol of breath of

that’s actually the symbol of breath of

that’s actually the symbol of breath of the spirit of life that’s emerging out

the spirit of life that’s emerging out

the spirit of life that’s emerging out of his mouth it’s almost like a

of his mouth it’s almost like a

of his mouth it’s almost like a hieroglyph throne in three shown in

hieroglyph throne in three shown in

hieroglyph throne in three shown in three dimensions and of course the very

three dimensions and of course the very

three dimensions and of course the very famous lid I think we all have seen

famous lid I think we all have seen

famous lid I think we all have seen images of this right the extraordinary

images of this right the extraordinary

images of this right the extraordinary carving on the very top which has been

carving on the very top which has been

carving on the very top which has been debated and talked about ad nauseam but

debated and talked about ad nauseam but

debated and talked about ad nauseam but there actually are there’s a lot of new

there actually are there’s a lot of new

there actually are there’s a lot of new stuff we can say about it it used to be

stuff we can say about it it used to be

stuff we can say about it it used to be thought that this was an image of puck

thought that this was an image of puck

thought that this was an image of puck Hall and sure enough he’s recognizable

Hall and sure enough he’s recognizable

Hall and sure enough he’s recognizable there right falling into the underworld

there right falling into the underworld

there right falling into the underworld well that’s absolutely wrong he’s not

well that’s absolutely wrong he’s not

well that’s absolutely wrong he’s not falling into the underworld he is rising

falling into the underworld he is rising

falling into the underworld he is rising in the East as the newborn son as the

in the East as the newborn son as the

in the East as the newborn son as the newborn Mays God and you’re seeing him

newborn Mays God and you’re seeing him

newborn Mays God and you’re seeing him in this really strange pose right here

in this really strange pose right here

in this really strange pose right here as an infant kind of reclining on his

as an infant kind of reclining on his

as an infant kind of reclining on his back and out of the jaws of the

back and out of the jaws of the

back and out of the jaws of the underworld emerges the Eastern Sun and

underworld emerges the Eastern Sun and

underworld emerges the Eastern Sun and he’s kind of riding along with it and

he’s kind of riding along with it and

he’s kind of riding along with it and behind him is a tree covered in Jade

behind him is a tree covered in Jade

behind him is a tree covered in Jade this is the sprouting tree right the

this is the sprouting tree right the

this is the sprouting tree right the sprouting jeweled tree that’s talked

sprouting jeweled tree that’s talked

sprouting jeweled tree that’s talked about in the tablet up above here he is

about in the tablet up above here he is

about in the tablet up above here he is again that face it’s so recognizable his

again that face it’s so recognizable his

again that face it’s so recognizable his son ki Nichkhun Balaam came to power

son ki Nichkhun Balaam came to power

son ki Nichkhun Balaam came to power when he died when Owen puck all died at

when he died when Owen puck all died at

when he died when Owen puck all died at 80 and became a very important King

80 and became a very important King

80 and became a very important King himself we can again recognized him by

himself we can again recognized him by

himself we can again recognized him by his portrait he always has that kind of

his portrait he always has that kind of

his portrait he always has that kind of big lower lip and con Balaam is the one

big lower lip and con Balaam is the one

big lower lip and con Balaam is the one who in 690 dedicates the temple

who in 690 dedicates the temple

who in 690 dedicates the temple inscriptions he finishes the

inscriptions he finishes the

inscriptions he finishes the architectural program that Puck Hall

architectural program that Puck Hall

architectural program that Puck Hall began and dedicates the temple to his

began and dedicates the temple to his

began and dedicates the temple to his father and then very quickly decides to

father and then very quickly decides to

father and then very quickly decides to leave his own mark I think con Baha must

leave his own mark I think con Baha must

leave his own mark I think con Baha must have been a bit chagrined in a sense I

have been a bit chagrined in a sense I

have been a bit chagrined in a sense I don’t know if he was you know maybe feel

don’t know if he was you know maybe feel

don’t know if he was you know maybe feel like he had to live up to this

like he had to live up to this

like he had to live up to this reputation of his father I mean how do

reputation of his father I mean how do

reputation of his father I mean how do you outdo Pacal well he almost did maybe

you outdo Pacal well he almost did maybe

you outdo Pacal well he almost did maybe he in fact he did or did something

he in fact he did or did something

he in fact he did or did something parallel to Puck Hall by creating a set

parallel to Puck Hall by creating a set

parallel to Puck Hall by creating a set of temples nearby across the river the

of temples nearby across the river the

of temples nearby across the river the group of the cross it was Puckle son who

group of the cross it was Puckle son who

group of the cross it was Puckle son who designed these again for a great cartoon

designed these again for a great cartoon

designed these again for a great cartoon ending nine 13000 in the Maya calendar

ending nine 13000 in the Maya calendar

ending nine 13000 in the Maya calendar and these were amazing buildings there’s

and these were amazing buildings there’s

and these were amazing buildings there’s no other set of pyramids that are quite

no other set of pyramids that are quite

no other set of pyramids that are quite like these all dedicated to the three

like these all dedicated to the three

like these all dedicated to the three members of the the patron gods the set

members of the the patron gods the set

members of the the patron gods the set of gods of Palenque this will called

of gods of Palenque this will called

of gods of Palenque this will called Palenque triad and they all have cosmic

Palenque triad and they all have cosmic

Palenque triad and they all have cosmic meaning the buildings here are all

meaning the buildings here are all

meaning the buildings here are all oriented towards the sacred spring of

oriented towards the sacred spring of

oriented towards the sacred spring of the column River which gushes out of the

the column River which gushes out of the

the column River which gushes out of the a mountainside very sacred spot here

a mountainside very sacred spot here

a mountainside very sacred spot here these Springs

these Springs

these Springs and so here are the three temples of the

and so here are the three temples of the

and so here are the three temples of the group of the cross the grandsons

group of the cross the grandsons

group of the cross the grandsons dedicate a temple and the hump in the

dedicate a temple and the hump in the

dedicate a temple and the hump in the same area of the group of the cross and

same area of the group of the cross and

same area of the group of the cross and here they are

here they are

here they are this is kini Giacomo knob and his

this is kini Giacomo knob and his

this is kini Giacomo knob and his younger brother over here and when they

younger brother over here and when they

younger brother over here and when they dedicate the temple what do they show

dedicate the temple what do they show

dedicate the temple what do they show who do they show in the center of the

who do they show in the center of the

who do they show in the center of the composition Pacal because he is the

composition Pacal because he is the

composition Pacal because he is the greatest king in the history of this

greatest king in the history of this

greatest king in the history of this court he is the one person who they can

court he is the one person who they can

court he is the one person who they can harken back to to really establish their

harken back to to really establish their

harken back to to really establish their pedigree and their position in the court

pedigree and their position in the court

pedigree and their position in the court of Palenque and he is the active central

of Palenque and he is the active central

of Palenque and he is the active central figure in this composition years and

figure in this composition years and

figure in this composition years and years after he’s dead Pacal is still at

years after he’s dead Pacal is still at

years after he’s dead Pacal is still at the center of everything and and this is

the center of everything and and this is

the center of everything and and this is why I think Palenque what we most of

why I think Palenque what we most of

why I think Palenque what we most of what we see of Palenque in that central

what we see of Palenque in that central

what we see of Palenque in that central area is pothole city it always was even

area is pothole city it always was even

area is pothole city it always was even to the Kings who came much later okay

”

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