Palenque: Lord Pakal and The Red Queen

Program Details

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking splendor of Palenque, a timeless masterpiece of Mayan artistry that has captivated adventurers, explorers, and archaeologists for centuries. Nestled in the lush jungles of Chiapas, this classical-period sanctuary flourished between 500 CE and 700 CE, reigning as a beacon of culture and power along the Usumacinta River basin. Palenque’s architecture is a symphony of elegance and precision. Its soaring temples, intricate palaces, and ethereal sculpted reliefs—imbued with rich mythological narratives—stand as a testament to the boundless creativity of the Maya civilization. Rising to prominence around 500 CE, the city became a formidable political and cultural hub, with rulers like the legendary Lord Pakal leaving indelible marks of grandeur. Yet, like many ancient cities, Palenque’s vibrant life eventually faded. By the 9th century CE, its temples and palaces fell silent, shrouded in mystery and reclaimed by the dense jungle. Rediscovered in the modern era, the site continues to reveal its secrets, including the enigmatic tomb of the Red Queen, sparking intrigue and wonder. Join us on a journey to Palenque, where art, mythology, and history converge in an extraordinary testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the Maya. Explore a world where every stone tells a story and every shadow whispers of a magnificent past. FEE: Free for Patrons SCHEDULE: Thursday, March 20 from 10:00 to 11:00 AM FORMAT: This is an online event. A link will be emailed to participants one day before the event. PRESENTER After studying Fine Arts, Maria Chester decided to go deeper and studied Art History becoming a Professor in Pre-Columbian Civilizations. From her first passion, that was Cave Art and Rock Art she developed an interest in Archaeology, and this has served as a frame for her ongoing research. She is multilingual and enjoys travelling. She taught in several South American universities as well as private institutions. Maria has served as the National Subject Adviser on American Archaeology to The Third Age Trust where she became its Chairperson. In 2015, she became a founding member of the IC-International Committee to The Third Age Trust, in the United Kingdom. In May 2016 she was elected Secretary General of AIUTA- International Association of Universities of the Third Age. She also tutors regular courses on Art History for BEA-Berwick Educational Association.