Teoberto Maler
Explorer
He was one of the first Europeans to explore the Mayan ruins.
He joined up with Mexico's Emperor Maximilian, and chose to remain in Mexico after his defeat.
He wasn't the first to reach the ruins at Palenque, but he did make a more comprehensive account of them.
His father was a diplomat for Germany's Grand Duchy of Baden.
Heinrich Barth was another their German explorer.