Who was Pacal the Great and what does the image on his sarcophagus indicate?
Pacal the Great, also known as K'inich Janaab' Pakal, was a Mayan king who ruled over the city-state of Palenque in present-day Mexico from 615 to 683 AD. He is considered one of the most important and influential Mayan rulers.
The image on his sarcophagus, famously known as the "Pacal's sarcophagus lid," represents his remarkable mythology and worldview. The intricate carving displays Pacal in a reclining position, seemingly descending into the underworld. He is depicted surrounded by various celestial symbols, mythological creatures, and deities.
The image is believed to signify Pacal's journey to the underworld and his position as the intermediary between the earthly realm and the divine realm. It is also thought to represent Pacal's rebirth or transcendence into the spiritual realm after death. The iconography on the sarcophagus lid reflects the Mayan belief in the cyclical nature of life and death and their connection to the cosmos.