Theory 8

There are core, structural and situational similarities between the Temple of Inscriptions and the Palace in Palenque. The structural similarities are primarily shown through the relationship between the piers of the temple and the houses of the palace. Specifically there are seven different sectors of the palace that relate to the seven different piers of the temple.
Though there are numerous entrances to both the temple and the palace the main ones are situated on the northern face. This further proves a structural similarity within the two constructions. This specific situation of the entrances provides a sense of uniformity not only between the two constructions but also within the general site.
This then leads to the situational similarities between the two. It was common in Mayan architecture that when a site was developed it would first be divided into various sections. These sections would then serve as a grid-like system in which the constructions were situated. Specifically in Palenque, it is apparent that the two largest constructions, which are conveniently placed almost perpendicular to one another perhaps to emphasize the grid-like system, provide a point to which the west side of the site almost draw to. This type of uniformity, once zoomed into, provides us with a site within a site. In other words the Temple of Inscriptions and the Palace both present a critical role within the site of Palenque however are also able to stand alone within their own field/zone.