Toniná became known as the Place of the Celestial Captives, because its chambers held the captured rulers of Palenque and other Maya cities, who were destined to be ransomed for large sums or decapitated. A recurring image in Toniná sculpture is of captives before decapitation, thrown to the ground with their hands tied.  Toniná is distinguished by its well preserved stucco sculptures and particularly by its in-the-round carved monuments.

The view from the top