047 - The Temple of the Inscriptions at Palenque and King Pakal

Back to Mesoamerica, only this time, we introduce the Maya. At the edge of the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico, sits the city of Lakam Ha, today called Palenque.  Among its magnificent ruins is the Temple of the Inscriptions, the tomb of king Pakal. His rule was one of the longest in human history; yet how much of his success came from the strong women around him? We talk about the Mayan calendar, 2012, Pakal's magnificent tomb, and his sarcophagus which was NOT made by aliens. There's more to see in Chiapas as well, like colonial San Cristóbal, indigenous villages, waterfalls, and Mayan ruins Bonmapak and Yaxchilán.  But for food, we head to next door Oaxaca to talk mole and mezcal margaritas. Sources: Deane, Zain. Mexico's Aztec and Maya Empires: an Explorer's Guide   Lonely Planet Mexico   Martin, Simon and Nikolai Grube. Chronicle of the Maya Kings and Queens: Deciphering the Dynasties of the Ancient Maya National Geographic Society. "Exclusive: Laser Scans Reveal Maya 'Megalopolis' Below Guatemalan Jungle." 2/1/18. Pillsbury, Joanne. “The Red Queen and Her Sisters: Women of Power in Golden Kingdoms” Schele, Linda and Peter Mathews. The Code of Kings : the Language of Seven Sacred Maya Temples and Tombs Photo by Jan Harenburg Music by the Orchestra Marimba de Chiapas