Itzamnaaj Bahlam of Ucanal facts for kids
Itzamnaaj Bahlam was an important king of the ancient Maya city of Ucanal. Ucanal was located in what is now Guatemala. He ruled during the late 600s.
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Who Was Itzamnaaj Bahlam?
The Battle and Capture
Itzamnaaj Bahlam's city, Ucanal, faced a big challenge. On September 4, 698, Ucanal was attacked and burned. The attack came from the city of Naranjo. Naranjo's king was K'ak' Tiliw Chan Chaak, who was only ten years old at the time.
A stone monument, called Naranjo Stela 22, tells this story. It shows Itzamnaaj Bahlam with his hands tied. He is shown bowing down to the young king of Naranjo. This scene likely happened on January 26, 702. This suggests that Itzamnaaj Bahlam might have been a prisoner in Naranjo for over three years.
Clues from Stone Carvings
Another ancient stone carving, Ucanal Stela 6, also mentions Itzamnaaj Bahlam. However, this stela is very old and hard to read. The name Itzamnaaj Bahlam can still be seen on it.
The exact date on this monument is unclear. But the style of the carving looks like it was made later, in the late 700s. This makes experts think that this stela might be about a different king of Ucanal. This later king would have had the same name.
The Painted Vase Mystery
A special painted vase gives us more clues about Itzamnaaj Bahlam. This vase was made in the style of Naranjo. It was likely painted by an artist from King K'ak' Tiliw Chan Chaak's court.
The vase has Itzamnaaj Bahlam's name on it. It also includes his royal title, "K'an Witznal Ajaw." This title belonged to the kings of Ucanal. This makes it very likely that this vase is connected to the same Ucanal king who was defeated by Naranjo.
One big question remains about this vase. Was it painted for Itzamnaaj Bahlam before Naranjo attacked Ucanal? If so, it means the relationship between the two cities got much worse between 688 and 698. Or was the vase given to him after his defeat? It might have been a gift to a king who now followed Naranjo's rules.
