Pacal Biography

Pacal

Pacal was ruler of the Mayan kingdom of Palenque from age 12 until his death at age 80. The name Pacal means shield in the Mayan language.

Pacal reigned during Palenque's classic period (300–900), a time when the kingdom expanded in size and power and saw a great flourishing of art and architecture. Pacal was responsible for the expansion of the city and oversaw the construction of many of its most magnificent structures. Among the most splendid examples of architecture in Palenque is the Temple of Inscriptions, where Pacal is buried.