Mexico has the esteemed designation of having the most UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Americas, and the sixth most in the world to date. In the state of Chiapas there are two. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Committee is tasked with deciding on the special cultural or physical significance of any place in the world. Entities requesting World Heritage status may be a forest, mountain, lake, desert, monument, building, complex or city. The main criteria to be met includes a significant level of natural or cultural importance to human heritage.
Palenque This ancient Mayan city is located in the south eastern state of Chiapas and is believed to have emerged around 100 BCE. Less than 10% of the city has been reclaimed from the jungle so far, and archaeologists estimate another 1000 buildings await re-discovery. Despite the age of Palenque, there are distinct architectural elements still intact. Sculpture, roof combing and bas-relief carvings all created by the Mayas are very important indicators of the ancient civilization. The hieroglyphic inscriptions uncovered at Palenque are so detailed, historians have been able to piece together the entire history of the city including rivalries with neighboring regions.
During the 8th century CE Palenque began to fall out of use. The B’aakal monarchy gradually faded away, mostly due to conflict with other tribes, and eventually just a sparse agricultural population lived in the city. By the end of the century Palenque was completely abandoned and the jungle closed in. Thankfully, by 1987 the site had been excavated enough to see the importance of what lay there, and was inscribed into the World Heritage books.
Churches of the Zoques The Zoques are an ancient culture whose language has roots in the Mixean family of dialects. Reportedly the first indigenous population to reside in Chiapas, there are archaeological ruins dating the culture back to 3500 BCE. Although many of the examples of Zoques civilization lie under water or volcanic rock, some have survived in a few valleys around the state. Their cultural role is believed to be spiritual, and therefore are often referred to colloquially as the Churches of the Zoques. It is under this designation the state of Chiapas has requested inscription from the World Heritage Committee.
Chiapas is one Mexican state we do not often hear a lot about. There are ancient ruins, sweeping rainforests, vibrant cultures, and incredible wildlife all waiting to be discovered. On the other hand, the delicate jungles do require admiration from a distance. Perhaps the best solution is to admire from Cancun!
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