Day 8: Glyphs and GaSPs

Palenque is a Mayan site that was likely settled during the Book of Mormon time period. The first king referred to in the glyphs began his reign in AD 431 but the area was almost surely settled well before that time.

Because of the fine architecture, beautiful art, the many legible glyphs, and unusually well preserved structures, Palenque may be the most fully studied Mayan city. Still, it is estimated that only about 5% of the city has been excavated.

The picture below, from the museum at Palenque, is of a sample of the local glyphs. The highlighted portion tells of the ascension of a seventh century king. The one glyph in the box that is not highlighted is the one best known among Mormons, which may be interpreted as "And it came to pass." This incredible discovery would mean that 5% of the Book of Mormon has been excavated at Palenque as well!

It is interesting, if perhaps just LDS provincialism, to note that the above interpretation was used in the first edition of a book by at least one Mayanologist until it was pointed out that giving that precise wording played into the Mormon's hands. Subsequent editions were changed and the glyph thereafter meant, "And so it happened." OK, whatever.

(You will have to click on the picture below and enlarge it to see the interpretaion.)

The most famous of Palenques kings was Pacal the Great who ruled from AD 615-683. In 1948 a hidden corridor and steps were found leading deep into the Temple of Inscriptions.

After 4 years of excavating the tunnel, the end of the passage was finally found in 1952. After almost 13 centuries of hiding, the tomb of Pacal was revealed, the richest Mayan archeologic find to that date and for many years afterward. Tourists are no longer allowed into the tomb, but there is an exact replica of the sarcophagus in the museum at Palenque.

The canopy on the steps just to the side of the Temple of Inscriptions leads to another tomb.

This red lined sarcophagus contained either Pacal's wife or mother.

Across the lane from the Temple of Inscriptions is the ancient dwelling of the local royals, Palenque's Great and Spacious Palace (GaSP). The GaSP is built in a position that allowed the owners to look down on the other 95% of local Mayans.One of Pacal's descendants thought this function was important enough that he built a four story tower to improve the view. Top of the Temple of Inscriptions from the ruins of the GaSP.

David preaching probably false doctrine from one of the walls of the GaSP.

Curious that he is standing right above the toilet.

Yes, this is ancient Mayan indoor plumbing. All you needed was a clay pitcher full of water to flush...whatever...down to the aqueduct 2 or 3 stories below. Everything would then flow down the river. It was a distinct advantage to live higher on the hill in Mayan cities. This is a custom we have adopted today.

Oh, BTW, that is where your feet would go, not...well...you know.

Going below in the palace there are passageways that lead to...

...the bedrooms.

Comfortable bed technology had not yet been discovered by the Mayans of the Classic period.

That sly Loretta! Trying to be tricky, but as you see, it didn't work.

Immediately up the hill, next to the Palace complex, is a temple complex. By far, the largest of these temples is the Temple of the Cross.

Why it is called that is because the early Spanish who conquered the area were happy to see crosses and other religious symbols wherever they could. These remarkable images could be found in such diverse places as in random pieces of wood, geographic formations, leafs, crusts of bread, stone carvings, corn flakes...no wait, that would come later.

As it turned out, what they interpreted to be a cross was really the Mayan representation of the Creation tree. If some Mormons had been with Cortez and would have found Plenque, this temple would probably be called the Temple of the Tree of Life.

Looking down from the Temple of the Cross is seen the Temple of the Sun and another smaller temple.Looking the other way is the Temple of the Foliated Cross, or what Mormon explorers would have named, Temple of the Blooming Tree of Life.

Temple steps are steep and few are able to descend with Loretta's aplomb.

[Kevin,
Aplomb:
1-imperturbable self-possession, poise, or assurance.
2-the perpendicular, or vertical, position.]

Looking back from the porch of the Temple of the Foliated Cross, the arrangement of the main portion of Palenque is seen, with the GaSP situated in the background.

Hmmm, I know I've seen these things before. Ill have to check the date on the picture info and see for sure if this is Palenque or Chichén Itzá.

Below the palace and temples, the aqueduct ends and the river continues on as it must have done for centuries before Mayans built here. There are old Mayan houses on both sides along the river, most covered over with jungle. We were glad the royal toilets were no long in use.

It is worth noting here, that is was near this spot that not very many years ago our leader and director Todd shattered his ankle jumping from tall rocks into shallow pools. The river has been officially closed to wading and swimming since that time. Thanks, Leader.

At times, we missed the family, or at least thought about them, or at least tried to mimic them. [In this instance with thoughts of or mimicry of Stephen.]

We had a wonderful day in Palenque, which has become one of our all-time favorite sites.

On the way back to Villa Hermosa, we stopped and ate a a real Mexican Restaraunt, with real Mexican spices.