In 615 AD, At the age of 12, K’inich Janaab’ Pakal ( Sun Faced Flower Shield) became Ajaw, of the ancient city of Lakamha, know today as Palenque in modern day Chiapas, Mexico. He was Ajaw ( the one who speaks for the people. Loosely understood as “King” or “Lord”) for 68 years. This makes him one of the longest reigning “kings” in history. 

Pakal, son of Lady Sak Kʼukʼ(White Quetzal Bird), inherited a city in decline – just five years prior, the city of Calakmul had attacked the city. Calakmul was in Long fight with their rival Tikal, Palenque was a Tikal ally.  Calakmul left many of the structures destroyed and damaged.  Pakal would  have his revenge on Calakmul and  restore order and prestige to the broken city.