There is more than one possibility when it comes to Palenque's emblem glyph, but the defleshed head of a rabbit is what is found more often to express the symbol or emblem glyph of Palenque. This seems to support the idea that the name of the kingdom was b'aak or “bone”. Next to Temple XIII there is a temple known as the Temple of the Skull, named like this because of the representation of a skull that decorates its main facade, the skull that appears is that of a rabbit.

Palenque 's ancient name is now known to epigraphers, both the name of the kingdom and the name of the city itself. According to epigraphers Nicolai Grube and Simon Martin the kingdom was anciently called B'aakal or “Bone”. However, the name of the city itself was Lakamha' or “Big Water”. This was perhaps because of the fast-flowing creeks and waterfalls that flow onto the valley below. Maybe it was the original name given to the river that flows right through the city, now known as the Otulum river. The river was channeled as it passed through the city in an underground waterway… There is a second name also associated with Palenque for its earliest period… Toktan, which may have been a separte place, home to the dynastic founder and perhaps the first capital of B'aakal.

Epigraphy and archaeology are unveiling the secrets guarded by centuries, and uncovering the history of men and women who -living in the middle of the jungle- dedicated their lives to unveiling the secrets of life and explaining the balance in the Universe. Their endeavors materialized in this great city. Today it is a treasure cherished by Mexicans and visitors alike. It is certainly one of Chiapas citizens' greatest prides, but more than this, it is a World Heritage site where Mexican archaeologists and their foreign scientist colleagues and guests may share the results of their quality research with visitors. They may also take pride in the wonderful restoration and conservation work they have carried out at the site in the course of this fascinating intellectual adventure!

CHONTAL, THE LANGUAGE OF SCRIPTURE

In the state of Chiapas alone, in addition to the official language (Spanish), 7 different Maya languages are spoken: Chontal, Tzotzil, Tojolabal, Chol, Lacandon, Chuj, and Zoque. Palenque lies in the present day Chol speaking area, but Chontal was the language by which villagers communicated with each other during Mayan times. It is no coincidence that most of the written information found at the site is perhaps written in that language.

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