Mexico is a country located in the southern part of North America. Mexico covers 1,972,550 square kilometers (761,610 sq mi), making it the world's 13th-largest country by area; with approximately 126,014,024 inhabitants. Mexico is organized as a federal republic comprising 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.