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Viewing Take a Trip into the Shadowy Past with PalenqueTake a Trip into the Shadowy Past with Palenque
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The south of Mexico is the cradle of Mayan civilization - one of the greatest cultures in human history. Born three thousand years ago, it is surrounded by historical mysteries and legends. Meeting with Maya means a trip into the shadowy past. By Tatyana Kogut The south of Mexico is the cradle of Mayan civilization - one of the greatest cultures in human history. Born three thousand years ago, it is surrounded by historical mysteries and legends. However, the most wonderful thing is that this world is still alive. Meeting with Maya means a trip into the past. The first place where you can become acquainted with Maya is Uxmal. Then we advise you to travel to Palenque. One of the main local attractions is the Temple of Inscriptions, where in 1952 there was a true treasure found - a Mayan temple. The temple is one of the oldest Mayan erections, preserved in its primeval state. There is also a Palace situated opposite the temple. The palace is adorned with ancient bas-reliefs and stone carvings. Palenque reached its grandeur in about 600-700 AD (approximately the same time as Tikal). However, its architectural style is very different, a more graceful one. For instance, the Palace is one of the best examples of the Classic residential architecture. The Maya also created things of plaster (bas-reliefs on the Temple of Inscriptions). The Temple of Inscriptions was built in 692 AD, and stands on a 21-meter platform. The temple is one of the principal structures of Palenque. Inside, you will find huge stone slabs with various well-preserved inscriptions carved on them, which helped teach the history of this great city. Hieroglyphs found in the temple were created in approximately 700 AD, but the main object found there is a tomb. According to research, the sarcophagus was placed inside the temple before the pyramid was built. The Palace was erected on a huge platform (10 meters high and 8 meters wide) and surrounded with stairs. This complex consists of 25 buildings and 4 yards, connected by narrow paths and staircases. In the southeast, there is a four-storey tower: the only Mayan tower ever found. Its floors are connected by a small staircase. Scientists think the tower served as an observatory. The Temple of the Sun was probably built in 642 AD. Its plaster decorations and elaborately carved reliefs are the best-preserved in Palenque. There is also a wonderful stone bas-relief found on its inner wall. It depicts sun worshiping. The Temple of the Cross is situated in the northern part of the complex, behind the Temple of the Sun. Some of the bas reliefs found on the Temple's western wall are now kept in the Regional Museum of Anthropology in Mexico City. The other two originals are situated on each side of the door. However, the most beautiful of them is found inside the temple. These reliefs portray cross-like images, which probably depict the creation of the centre of the world. There is also a court for playing the Mesoamerican Ballgame, found in the northern part of the Palace. Even though it has not been fully renovated yet, it is almost the same size as the court in Tikal. Finally is the Temple of the Skull, located to the right of the entrance to the Palenque archaeological zone. The temple got its name thanks to a beautiful skeletal rabbit mask found inside. Visit ancient monuments in Palenque - take a trip to the past! About the Author: Find your accommodations in Palenque via Palenque hotel reservations and Mexico hotels online hotel reservations. Article Source: Adult Escapes - http://www.AdultEscapes.com More free articles: 1st Rate Articles - 1stRateArticles.com |
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