Itzamnaaj Bahlam III facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Itzamnaaj Bahlam III |
|
|---|---|
| Ajaw | |
|
|
| King of Yaxchilan | |
| Reign | 23 October 681–15 June 742 |
| Predecessor | Yaxun Bʼalam III |
| Successor | Yaxun Bʼalam IV |
| Born | 647 |
| Died | 15 June 742 (aged 94–95) |
| Consort | Lady Xoc Lady Eveningstar Lady Sak Bʼiyaan |
| Issue | Yaxun Bʼalam IV |
| Father | Yaxun Bʼalam III |
| Mother | Lady Pacal |
| Religion | Maya religion |
Itzamnaaj Bahlam III (also known as Itzamnaaj B'alam or Shield Jaguar) was an important Maya king. He ruled the ancient city of Yaxchilan, which is now in Chiapas, Mexico. He became king in October 681 and ruled until his death in June 742. Itzamnaaj Bahlam III is famous for building many structures and stone monuments (called stelae). You can still see many of these at Yaxchilan today. He was married to Lady Ik' Skull, who was also a ruler for a while.
Contents
Who Was Itzamnaaj Bahlam III's Family?
Itzamnaaj B'alam was born in 647. His parents were Lady Pacal and Yaxun Bʼalam III. Later, he had a son named Yaxun Bʼalam IV. This son became king after Itzamnaaj B'alam died. His grandmother was Lady Xibalba, who was a noblewoman from Yaxchilan.
Itzamnaaj Bahlam III's Early Years
We don't know much about Itzamnaaj B'alam's early life. When he was eleven years old, one of his siblings took part in a war. This war also involved Pacal, a famous king from Palenque.
Becoming King of Yaxchilan
Just before he became king, Itzamnaaj Bahlam won a war against Ah Ahaual. He captured Ah Ahaual and brought him to Yaxchilan. At the age of 34, around October 23, 681, Itzamnaaj Bahlam became the king of Yaxchilan. He was married to his aunt, Lady Xoc. She was a very powerful person in the kingdom.
One of Itzamnaaj Bahlam's biggest achievements was building what is now called Temple 23. Inside Temple 23, there are carvings showing Lady Xoc performing an important ceremony. This ceremony was done for three special events: when Itzamnaaj Bahlam became king, when his son Yaxun Bahlam was born, and when Temple 23 was officially opened.
Choosing the Next King
Itzamnaaj B'alam had a second wife named Lady Eveningstar. She was from Calakmul. They had a son together named Yaxun B'alam. Itzamnaaj B'alam chose Yaxun B'alam to be the next king. This was his choice even though his other wife, Lady Xoc, had a very important family background.
Experts Linda Schele and David Freidel believe Itzamnaaj B'alam built Temple 23 to honor Lady Xoc. At the same time, he also wanted to gain public support for his son to become king. He also married Lady Sak B'iyaan, but she was not as high-ranking as his aunt.
The End of a Long Reign
Most of the buildings constructed during Itzamnaaj B'alam's rule were built in the last third of his life. He was still leading his soldiers into battle even when he was in his eighties. Itzamnaaj B'alam died at the age of 95.
