Cocom facts for kids
The Cocom (pronounced Koh-KOHM) were a powerful family or group of leaders who were part of the ancient Maya civilization. They controlled a large area of the Yucatán Peninsula in what is now Mexico. Their rule was during the late Postclassic period, which was a time in Maya history from about 1250 to 1450 AD. The Cocom family's main city, or capital, was called Mayapan.
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Who Were the Cocom?
The Cocom were a very important and powerful family in the Maya world. They were like a royal family or a ruling group that held control over a large part of the Yucatán Peninsula. This was during the last major period of Maya history, known as the Postclassic period. They were one of the main groups that shaped the history of the region for many years.
Their Capital City: Mayapan
The main city where the Cocom family lived and ruled from was called Mayapan. This city was very important during the Postclassic period. It became the capital after the famous city of Chichen Itza lost its power. Mayapan was a large city with many buildings, temples, and homes. It was a center for trade, politics, and culture for a long time. The Cocom family used Mayapan as their base to control the surrounding areas and other Maya towns.
How the Cocom Dynasty Began
The Cocom dynasty, or ruling family, was started by a leader named Hunac Ceel. He was a very strong and influential figure. He managed to bring different Maya groups together and establish the Cocom family as the main rulers in the Yucatán. Under his leadership, the Cocom family grew in power and influence, making Mayapan the most important city in the region.
The End of the Cocom Rule
The Cocom family ruled for a long time, but their power eventually came to an end. Around the years 1440 and 1441, another important Maya family, the Xiu lineage, led a rebellion against the Cocom. A leader named Ah Xiu Xupan was key in this uprising. The Xiu family successfully overthrew the Cocom dynasty. This event marked a big change in the political landscape of the Yucatán Peninsula. After the fall of the Cocom, the region broke up into many smaller, independent states.
