The Dedication Date of the Temple of the Inscriptions at Palenque: A Reconstruction Based on Astronomical Commensurability

This study analyzes the dedication date of the Temple of the Inscriptions at Palenque, whose Initial Series is partially reconstructed due to the loss of several components of the inscription. Starting from the reconstruction proposed by David Stuart, 9.12.18.4.19, a calendrical and astronomical analytical procedure is developed based on expressing dates and Distance Numbers as absolute quantities of days and identifying commensurability relationships with relevant temporal cycles of the Maya calendrical system. The procedure makes it possible to independently assess the plausibility of an epigraphic reconstruction without replacing the criteria proper to epigraphy. Its application to the case under study leads to the proposal of Initial Series 9.12.18.4.13, corresponding to 1,388,973 days GMT, six days earlier than Stuart’s reconstructed date. The proposed date establishes significant commensurability relationships with events involving different generations of the B´aakal dynasty, including the accession of K´inich Janaab´ Pakal and the birth of K´ux B´ahalam. Particularly noteworthy are the Distance Numbers of 27,365 and 107,107 days, both of which can be expressed as exact multiples of the commensurability factor 13, as well as other relationships incorporating the Tzolk´in, the Haab´, and planetary cycles. The results suggest that the date 9.12.18.4.13 constitutes an astronomical and calendrical magnitude consistent with a broader temporal network and demonstrate the potential of the procedure for evaluating and, eventually, restoring dates whose epigraphic reconstruction is incomplete. The study thus proposes that commensurability analysis may provide a complementary approach to understanding the mathematical organization of the historical and temporal memory of the dynasty.