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23rd Ruler
Ajaw of Tikal
Reign c.635
Predecessor Animal Skull
Successor 24th Ruler
Religion Maya religion

23rd Ruler was an important leader, known as an ajaw (which means ruler or king), of the ancient Maya city of Tikal. He was in charge around the year 635.

We don't have much information about this ruler or the one who came after him, known as 24th Ruler. Some experts believe that a ruler named K'inich Muwaan Jol II might have been either the 23rd or 24th Ruler. This is because he could have been the father of the 25th ajaw, Nuun Ujol Chaak.

Who Was the 23rd Ruler of Tikal?

The 23rd Ruler was a leader of the powerful Maya city of Tikal. He lived a long time ago, in the 7th century. His rule was around the year 635.

What is an Ajaw?

In the ancient Maya world, an ajaw was a very important person. They were like a king or queen. An ajaw was the main leader of a city-state. They made big decisions for their people. They also led religious ceremonies.

The City of Tikal

Tikal was one of the largest and most powerful cities of the ancient Maya. It was located in what is now Guatemala. Tikal had amazing pyramids and temples. Many people lived and worked there. It was a center for trade and culture.

Life in Ancient Tikal

People in Tikal lived in a busy city. They built tall structures. They also studied the stars. The Maya were very good at math and writing. They had a complex calendar system. Tikal was a very advanced city for its time.

Why Don't We Know More About the 23rd Ruler?

It's common for information to be scarce about ancient rulers. This is especially true for those who lived so long ago. Many records from the Maya civilization have been lost over time.

How Historians Learn About Ancient Rulers

Historians and archaeologists learn about ancient rulers in different ways. They study old writings found on stone monuments. They also look at pottery and other artifacts. These clues help them piece together the past.

Connecting the Rulers

Even with limited information, experts try to connect the dots. They look for family links between rulers. This helps them understand the order of leaders. It also helps them learn about the history of cities like Tikal.

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