Hunac Ceel facts for kids
Hunac Ceel Cauich was an important Maya leader and general. He lived in the late 1100s and early 1200s. Hunac Ceel came from a place called Telchaquillo. He is famous for conquering the city of Chichen Itzá. He also started a new ruling family, known as the Cocom dynasty.
Some historians believe the war was simply about taking over land. Others say it started because of a disagreement over a powerful ruler's wife. This event led to a major conflict.
Hunac Ceel, also known as Cauich, first fought against the Itzás, who ruled Chichen Itzá. He was captured during this fight. Ah Mex K'UUK, a powerful leader, threw Hunac Ceel into the sacred cenote of Chichén Itzá. A cenote is a natural pit or sinkhole filled with water. It was a special place for sacrifices to the gods.
However, Hunac Ceel survived the entire night in the water. He later claimed to have received a message from the rain god Chac. This message was a prophecy about the year's harvest. Because of this amazing survival and prophecy, Ah Mex Cuc supported him. Hunac Ceel then became the lord of Mayapan.
At that time, Mayapan, Chichen Itzá, and Uxmal were the three most powerful cities in northern Yucatan. With help from forces from the highlands, Hunac Ceel attacked Chichen Itzá. He removed the leaders there and made Mayapan the main ruler of the region.
Hunac Ceel's Impact
Hunac Ceel's actions changed the political power in northern Yucatan. They also affected where people lived. The Itzá people, for example, moved to the Peten Lake area. They were still living there when Europeans first arrived.
Hunac Ceel in Culture
Hunac Ceel's story has appeared in movies. The film Kings of the Sun shows Hunac Ceel's forces attacking Chichen Itzá. The actor Leo Gordon played Hunac Ceel in this movie.
In the year 2000, a Mexican folk dance and music group was founded. This group was named Hunac-Ceel. It was started in San Luis Potosí.
See also
In Spanish: Hunac Ceel para niños
