Investigate the impact of Pacal the Great on the Mayan Empire.

In life, he expanded his empire. In death, his tomb and the decorations placed in it and upon it underscore the complexity of the Mayan Empire.
In life, he traveled to outer space. In death, his tomb and the decorations placed in it and upon it underscore the complexity of the Mayan Empire.
In life, he expanded his empire. In death, because of his tomb’s depiction of his being resurrected, he was revered as the Mayan Maize God into the modern day.
In life, he reduced the size of his empire.In death, his tomb and the decorations placed in it and upon it underscore the complexity of the Mayan Empire.

The impact of Pacal the Great on the Mayan Empire was significant. One aspect of his impact was his expansion of the empire during his lifetime. Pacal the Great was a powerful ruler who extended the boundaries of the Mayan Empire through various conquests and alliances. His military campaigns and diplomatic efforts allowed the Mayan Empire to grow in size and influence.

However, it is in his death that Pacal the Great's impact on the Mayan Empire becomes even more apparent. Pacal's tomb, located in the Temple of the Inscriptions in the ancient city of Palenque, is considered one of the most important archaeological discoveries in the Mayan world. The tomb itself and the intricate decorations found within it showcase the complexity and sophistication of the Mayan civilization.

The decorations inside Pacal's tomb depict him in a number of scenes, including his ascension to the underworld, interacting with supernatural beings, and even traveling to outer space. These portrayals reveal the Mayans' deeply ingrained religious beliefs and their understanding of the cosmos.

Interestingly, the depiction of Pacal in the act of being resurrected in his tomb has led to his reverence as the Mayan Maize God in modern times. The association of Pacal with the Maize God highlights his importance in Mayan mythology and the significance of agriculture in their society. The enduring reverence for Pacal as a deity further emphasizes his impact on the Mayan Empire, even long after his death.

It should be noted, however, that there is no evidence to suggest that Pacal the Great reduced the size of his empire during his life. The expansion of the Mayan Empire under his rule is well-documented, and his tomb and its decorations do not imply any reduction in territory.