ABSTRACT
This chapter interprets the royal palaces as "sacred houses" for the sovereign chosen by the gods. The back of the throne represents the profile of Cauac, with glyphic inscriptions on the seat and supports, which mention the birth and enthronement events of the sovereign, as well as the name of the sculptors. The chapter emphasizes that the importance of smaller palaces built on low platforms, as well as the tight connection they had with the activities of the royalty, especially in administrative events related to government matters. The bonanza manifested by the rulers of the Early Classic period was directed toward other members of the royal family and of the court, mainly at Tikal. The political changes of the Late Classic period led to the appearance of hundreds of new cities across the Maya lowlands and, in some cases, to the development of their own independent polities as suggested by the use of particular emblem glyphs.
