PALENQUE
Located at the edge of the mountainous region of the Lacandon Forest and the dry lowland of the Yucatán Peninsula, Palenque formed an ideal location for trade. The site is noted for the unusual hierarchy of two women rulers. The second longest inscription in the Maya World is located at Palenque within the first temple discovered to be built specifically to house the deceased ruler, Pacal. All of this elaborate ritual justified his right to rule as he was a descendent from a women ruler in the normal patriarchal system New Discoveries at Palenque: The current Palenque project has unearthed an elaborate tomb with a painted mural in Temple XX. The carved and painted throne, bearing an extensive hieroglyphic text, was found in Temple XIX. Both of these structures are located in the Cross Group complex. The ruler depicted on the throne was King Akhal Mo’Nab III (also known as Chaacal II), who ruled from AD 721-731. Temple XIX also yielded an 11 foot carved panel with a sculptured image of Akhal Mo’Nab III, shown with a second royal personage who kneels behind him and holds his hand.