In 1957 a new discovery inside Temple XVIII‐A was made in Palenque, the Mayan archaeological site in Chiapas Mexico, a royal tomb of an original design which proved to be the oldest at the site. Two skeletons were found, the principal (PAL‐44) was at the centre showing red pigmentation on the surface of some bones, personal adornments and offerings, which indicate he was an early ruler of Palenque. The second, (PAL‐45), deposited at the entrance, not in a special mortuary position, without offerings, suggests it was of a lower social status. This research presents a new bioarchaeological analysis with the following results: 1) PAL‐44 has been directly AMS 14C‐dated to 250–420 cal. AD (LTL12759A: 1696 ±30 BP) which means that the personage was buried long before the first designated ruler of Palenque, who, according to the epigraphic record was enthroned in 431 AD. 2) With X‐Ray Fluorescence (XRF) the red pigment was identified as cinnabar (HgS). 3) PAL‐44 is a young adult male with a severe idiopathic scoliosis with a double curvature that affected the ribcage and lower limbs. Such a three dimensional deformity resulted in changes to his body mechanics and induced motion asymmetry. Consequently his health and mobility must have been significantly affected by such a severe condition. 4) PAL‐45 is an adult female with signs of nutritional problems in childhood and entheseal changes probably related to her activity. Three ante‐mortem traumas are registered: rib fracture, frontal depressed circular fracture and a nasal septal deviation. This traumatic event took place two weeks, approximately, prior to PAL‐45's death. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.