The power of the Mayan civilization stretched for almost the entire length of South America. The Mayan ruins that have been left behind are the only lasting memory we have of what the Mayans did for a living, how they worshiped, and how they went about making their civilization. Some of the Mayan ruins have dated back as early as 5000 BC, while others are as new as 1500’s.

Most of the Mayan ruins fall in between those two times though, such as Palenque located in Chiapas, Mexico. Palenque has become one of the most influential ruins in the modern understanding of the Mayan people. The reason behind this is the vast amount of detailed work that archeologists have done there. Some speculate that Palenque is one of the most excavated and studied Mayan sites anywhere in Mesoamerica.

The Mexican government is excited to announce the discovery of an ancient Mayan ruler in the Palenque area of southern Mexico. They are as of yet unsure of the ruler’s name, but the tomb was discovered not far from another famous ruler named Pakal.

The discovery of this tomb being so close to another has led Mexican authorities and archeologists to believe that area in which they were found to be could be unrecognized Mayan burial ground. For nearly a decade the people in charge of the Palenque dig have been aware of the tomb below their feet. It hasn’t been until the recently that the Mexican government would agree to examine the area more thoroughly. They have allowed the process to go on due to the threat of imminent cave-ins and the invention of smaller and more agile cameras to fit in the tomb.

Among the grand Mayan ruins that are housed in the Yucatan area Palenque ranks easily in the top of the "must see" category. Easily competing with Chichen Itza and Tikal simply for the Mayan temples and the architectural beauties along the Palenque ruins provide a non-stop trip through history and culture for those who take the time to go and visit.

Somewhat off the beaten path, the Palenque ruins are about 650 kilometers from the beaches and white sands of the Riviera Maya, but makes for a reasonable overnight trip for those who would like to experience history as well as some sunshine.