The settlement, which reached its peak development in the Late Classic, between 600 and 800 A.D., is of moderate proportions when compared with great Maya centers such as Palenque and Yaxchilán. In fact, Bonampak may have depended politically and culturally on Yaxchilán. The ruins consist of three large architectural groups. On the Great Plaza and the stairway which leads to the acropolis, are several stelae inscribed with long-count dates between 782 and 791 A. D. The acropolis is famous for its three rooms, which contain the mural paintings. These paintings are the best preserved and most important ones we have from the Maya Classic. Some experts believe that the murals tell one story of a battle, through its aftermath, and to the celebration of the victory.