The Temple of the Foliated Cross is situated southwest of the Palace, separated from the Place and Temple of Inscriptions by the Otolum River. The jungle is threatening to infringe on this temple, which marks the edge of excavated mounds in Palenque. This temple was built around 692. Offerings were placed inside the temple in front of a cross, ornamented with images of maize leaves and human heads. Maize is the agricultural staple of the Maya, and featured significantly in religious iconography. Human sacrifice was practiced by the Maya in honor of their gods, such as Tlaloc, the god of rain, who makes the maize grow.

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