Kʼinich Janaabʼ Pakal

Kʼinich Janaabʼ Pakal I, often referred to as Pacal or Pacal the Great, was a prominent ajaw of the Maya city-state of Palenque during the Late Classic period of pre-Columbian Mesoamerica. Born on March 24, 603, he ascended to the throne at the tender age of twelve in July 615, marking the beginning of a remarkable reign that would last for an impressive sixty-eight years.

His tenure as ruler is notable not only for its duration, which stands as the fifth-longest verified regnal period of any sovereign monarch in history, but also for its significance in the cultural and architectural development of Palenque. Under Pakal's leadership, the city witnessed the construction and enhancement of some of its most iconic monumental architecture and inscriptions, which continue to captivate historians and archaeologists alike.

Pakal's legacy is perhaps most vividly encapsulated in the striking depiction of his likeness on the carved lid of his sarcophagus. This image has sparked considerable interest and speculation in popular culture, often becoming a focal point for discussions surrounding the ancient Maya civilization.