Palenque (Mexico)

Whilst we were in Mexico, we went to Palenque, one of the Mayan sites which has been studied and restored. It was very very hot but we climbed up these steps (very steep)


And saw this view....

Here's a few other pyramids and buildings.

None of the pyramids are solid - all of them have chambers and tunnels and sarcophoguses (how do you spell that!??) inside

This is the tower in the centre of the palace complex - which was apparently used to observe the stars. The Mayans were great astromoners - and had developed a very complex calendar - more sophisticated than any other at the time.
Many of the buildings are engraved - often with pictures of their daily lives - sometimes involving sacrifices or blood letting in order to communicate with the gods.