Early settlement
The earliest known phases of occupation at Lakamha`.
THE CHRONICLE
A city remembered
through centuries.
From ancient dynasties to the expeditions and publications that restored Palenque to the historical record.
THE TIMELINE
Ancient history,
rediscovery and research.
The chronology connects the history of the Maya city with the later history of those who described, drew, photographed and studied it.
Dynastic record
K’uk’ B’alam I appears at the beginning of the known royal sequence.
Pakal’s reign
K’inich Janaab Pakal begins the period most closely associated with Palenque’s monumental centre.
Last known royal date
The final known accession date from the ancient city.
Missionary presence
Pedro Lorenzo de la Nada and the founding of Santo Domingo de Palenque.
Early expedition
Ordoñez y Aguiar helps initiate renewed attention to the ruins.
Official Spanish expeditions
Calderón, Bernasconi, del Río and Armendáriz create reports and drawings.
Dupaix expedition
A new official survey expands the visual record.
Juan Galindo
Reports and correspondence reach the Société de Géographie.
Waldeck
An artist and traveller documents Palenque in drawings, diaries and paintings.
The expedition race
Walker and Caddy reach Palenque before Stephens and Catherwood.
Early photography
Désiré Charnay begins the transition from drawing to photographic evidence.
Teobert Maler
Extended visits produce new photographic documentation.
Scientific fieldwork
Maudslay and others establish more systematic methods.
Institutional research
Universities, museums and learned societies deepen specialized study.
Discovery of Pakal's tomb
Alberto Ruz Lhuillier uncovers the tomb of K'inich Janaab Pakal in the Temple of the Inscriptions.
Rolf Becker’s first visit
The personal beginning of a fifty-year research project.
Volume I
The published collection begins.
Volume XI
Volume XI extends the fifteen-volume documentary record, with four further volumes to follow.
THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE
Hidden by the jungle.
Revealed over time.
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