Palenque

Our years in Mexico would not have been complete without visits to some of the archaeological sites. One of the most impressive site we visited was the Mayan ruins at Palenque in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. The photograph shown here is of the Temple of Inscriptions. It was a very impressive structure.

On our visit there, Beverly, Bethany, Leo and I climbed to the top. There were also steps that descended into the depths of the structure. I made the trip to the very bottom down a steep and narrow stone stairway, which continued for 80 feet below the floor of the temple. We learned later that the presence of these steps were uncovered in 1948. An amazing discovery was made that changed the world's understanding of the Maya pyramids. It was at the bottom and center of the pyramid that the remains of a royal person was found along with a variety of jade and other artifacts. Interesting in the fact that this is in some ways similar to the pyramids in Egypt.

The Palenque site is much more elaborate that this one pyramid that I photographed. We also learned that much had the site had not even been uncovered yet. A guide pointed to a hill not too far away and told us that there was another pyramid there. The Mexican resources are limited to do justice to all that still lines overgrown and hidden from human eyes. If you are interested you can click on the following links to see more pictures of this site and to learn more about the Mayan culture:

• Palenque Photographs
• Palenque Archaeological site
• The Mayan Culture
  

It is apparent that great cities of Mayas existed at their peak. Now they are no more. Historians believe they fell victim to their own success. Is this another warning for us today?

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Quote of the Day

"Where there is no vision, the people perish."

(Proverbs 29:18)

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Joke of the Day

A zookeeper wanted to get some extra animals for his zoo, so he decided to compose a letter. The only problem was that he didn't know the plural of 'Mongoose'.

He started the letter: "To whom it may concern, I need two Mongeese."

No, that won't work, he thought and tried again: "To whom it may concern, I need two Mongooses." Is that right?

Finally, he got an idea: "To whom it may concern, I need a Mongoose, and while you're at it, send me another one."

~ Compliments from the King of Corn

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