Palenque was one of the major centres of the Maya realms, on a par with Tikal in the 6th and 7th centuries AD.
Concern with the succession led its king Pacal (r. 615-683) to inscribe a detailed list of his ancestors in the Temple of the Inscriptions. Modern investigations of this temple revealed a blocked stair leading down into the heart of the pyramid.
After many seasons' labour this was cleared to expose a chamber in which was found the massive stone sarcophagus of Pacal. On its lid the king is depicted descending the World Tree into the gloomy Underworld, but accompanying symbols suggest that he will defeat its gods and rise again.
The king's jade belt, a badge of kingly office, lay across the tomb while within it were other objects of precious jade, including a mosaic mask depicting the king.
Outside the tomb at the foot of the stair lay the skeletons of five individuals, presumably war captives, sacrificed as part of the funeral rites.
