Cultural Notes
Las ruinas de Palenque – short version
The Ruins of Palenque
- Remember, expect this to be challenging.
- First, read the English version.
- Next, read the Spanish version.
- Click the control to hear the audio.
- Listen several times, following along on the transcript.
- Finally, listen without looking at the transcript.
- See how many words and phrases you can pick out.
- Then try the long version.
Short Version
The Ruins of Palenque
The ruins of Palenque are among the most important Mayan archaeological sites in all of Mexico and Central America. This city-state in southern Chiapas reached its peak of architectural, artistic and religious expression between the 6th and 10th centuries a.d. New construction techniques allowed for larger, more sophisticated structures. Depictions of the lives of rulers carved in stucco on the sides of buildings served to record some of the history and beliefs of the culture. Stone tablets in both written and pictorial fashion provide further insight into the daily lives of these ancient Mayans. With only 34 of 500 building excavated, there is still much to be learned about these amazing people.
Las ruinas de Palenque
Las ruinas de Palenque se encuentran entre los sitios arqueológicos mayas más importantes de todo México y Centroamérica. La ciudad estado del sur de Chiapas llegó a su máxima expresión arquitectónica, artística y religiosa entre los siglos 6 y 10 de nuestra era. Nuevas técnicas de construcción permitieron crear estructuras más grandes y complejas. Representaciones de las vidas de sus gobernantes, talladas en estuco en los costados de los edificios, sirvieron para hacer constar parte de la historia y creencias de esa cultura. Placas de piedra escritas y pictóricas dan una idea de la vida diaria de los antiguos mayas. Con sólo 34 de 500 edificaciones excavadas, aún hay mucho que aprender sobre este sorprendente pueblo.
