Mexico is a country located in southern North America. With an area of ​​1,972,550 km² (761,610 square miles), Mexico is the 13th largest country in the world by area; and has a population of approximately 126,014,024. Mexico is organized as a federal republic consisting of 31 states and Mexico City, its capital.

Palenque is an ancient Mayan city located in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. The city was founded in the 7th century and reached its peak in the 8th century, during the Classic period of Mesoamerican civilization. Today, it is an important archaeological site and a popular tourist destination.

The Temple of the Holy Cross is one of the main structures of the Holy Cross complex in the ancient Mayan city of Palenque, Chiapas, Mexico, built in the 7th century AD during the reign of K’inich Kan Bahlam II. Built atop a stepped pyramid, the temple sits on a ceremonial platform overlooking the city and is part of a three-structured sacred complex along with the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Holy Cross.