Kʼinich Yat Ahk II facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kʼinich Yat Ahk II |
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| Ajaw | |
Kʼinich Yat Ahk II's portrait in Stela 12
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| King of Piedras Negras | |
| Reign | 31 May 781 - 808 |
| Predecessor | Haʼ Kʼin Xook |
| Successor | None Capture of the kingdom by Yaxchilán |
| Born | 7 April 750 Piedras Negras |
| Died | c.808 or after |
| Father | Itzam Kʼan Ahk II? Tʼul Chiik? |
| Mother | Lady Bird |
| Religion | Maya religion |
| Signature |  |
Kʼinich Yat Ahk II (pronounced kʼin-ich yat akh), also known as Ruler 7, was the last ajaw (a word for ruler or king) of Piedras Negras. This was an important ancient Maya city in what is now Guatemala. He ruled during the Late Classic Period, which was a time of great growth for the Maya, from 781 AD to about 808 AD.
Kʼinich Yat Ahk II might have been related to an earlier ruler named Itzam Kʼan Ahk II. He became king after his brother, Haʼ Kʼin Xook, who was the sixth ruler of Piedras Negras, passed away. During his time as king, Kʼinich Yat Ahk II led his city to defeat a rival Maya city called Pomona. However, his rule likely ended when Yaxchilan, another powerful Maya city, led by Kʼinich Tatbu Skull IV, attacked and took over Piedras Negras.
Kʼinich Yat Ahk II created several important stone monuments. These include tall stone slabs called stelae found at Piedras Negras. He also had a special stone seat, known as Throne 1, made. This throne tells the story of his brother Haʼ Kʼin Xook's death or when he gave up his rule. Another carving, Panel 3, shares stories about the achievements of Itzam Kʼan Ahk II.
Contents
Life of Kʼinich Yat Ahk II
Early Life and Becoming King
Kʼinich Yat Ahk II was probably the last ruler of Piedras Negras. He was born on April 7, 750 AD. His mother was Lady Bird. Some historians think his father was Itzam Kʼan Ahk II, while others suggest it might have been a prince named Tʼul Chiik.
His name, Kʼinich Yat Ahk II, has two parts. "Kʼinich" was a title meaning "red-faced." It showed that the rulers believed they were "lords of the sun." The "Yat Ahk" part of his name came from Yat Ahk I, one of Piedras Negras's very first rulers. Kʼinich Yat Ahk II became king of Piedras Negras on May 31, 781 AD. This was almost a year after his brother, Haʼ Kʼin Xook, died. Even with this gap, there is no sign that anyone else ruled the city in between.
Military Actions and Victories
Kʼinich Yat Ahk II first led his army into battle in August 787 AD. He captured a "lord of fire" from a place called Santa Elena Poco Uinic. Later, in 792 and 794 AD, Kʼinich Yat Ahk II fought two "star wars" against the rival Maya city Pomona. These wars were planned to happen during important events in the sky, like when certain stars were visible. The second war led to Pomona's big defeat. Kʼinich Yat Ahk II had help in these wars from his friend, Parrot Chaak of La Mar.
The Fall of Piedras Negras
In 808 AD, Piedras Negras's main enemy, Yaxchilan, attacked. Yaxchilan was ruled by Kʼinich Tatbu Skull IV. They conquered Piedras Negras and captured Kʼinich Yat Ahk II. This event ended his rule. A stone carving in Yaxchilan, called Lintel 10, clearly names Kʼinich Yat Ahk II as a prisoner of the Yaxchilan king.
There is proof that Yaxchilan's soldiers attacked Piedras Negras and burned parts of it. Broken and burnt items have been found all over the city. It also looks like Throne 1, a special stone seat, was purposely broken apart. Some researchers in the 1930s thought this meant the rulers were overthrown by a "peasants' revolt." However, most modern experts do not agree with this idea.
Historians like Simon Martin and Nikolai Grube, along with Stephen D. Houston, believe the Piedras Negras royal family might have continued for a short time after Kʼinich Yat Ahk II was captured. But their power was greatly reduced. The city's importance faded around 810 AD. After that, Piedras Negras was left to be taken over by the jungle.
Important Stone Monuments
Stelae: Stone Slabs
Several stelae, which are tall stone monuments, were set up by Kʼinich Yat Ahk II. These include Stelae 12 and 15, which were carved from limestone.
The first stela he put up was Stela 15. It celebrated his first hotun (a Maya period of 5,200 days) as king of Piedras Negras. This monument was placed on the upper part of Pyramid O-13. It was very new for its time because it looked almost like a 3D statue of the ruler. This showed how skilled the sculptors of Piedras Negras had become. Stela 15 looks a bit like Stela 13, which was made by Haʼ Kʼin Xook. Since Stela 15 was placed above Stela 13, it was likely meant to connect Kʼinich Yat Ahk II with his brother.
The last stela to be put up was Stela 12. It shows Kʼinich Yat Ahk II's victory over Pomona. The carving shows Kʼinich Yat Ahk II standing above military leaders and prisoners. This stela looks more like other carved panels found at Piedras Negras because its carvings are not very deep. This style suggests that the sculptors at this time liked to tell stories with many figures. Historians believe this stela was a "monument of revenge." It was meant to make up for Piedras Negras's defeat by Pomona in 554 AD.
Stela 12 is not in perfect condition today because the weather has worn it down over time. Stelae 15 and 12 show two different ideas of what a good ruler should be. Stela 15 shows Kʼinich Yat Ahk II as a religious leader doing his sacred duties. Stela 12, on the other hand, shows him as a conqueror, defeating enemies. Both Stelae 15 and 12 also include the names of the sculptors and artists who made them.
Throne 1: The Royal Seat
Kʼinich Yat Ahk II likely ordered the creation of Throne 1. This throne tells the story of either the death or the decision of Haʼ Kʼin Xook to give up his rule. The entire throne is covered with pictures and ancient writings called glyphs. It also has a large animal-like face carved on its back.
Throne 1 was found in pieces in a special hidden spot in J-6, a part of the main Piedras Negras palace. It has since been put back together. There are different ideas about why it was destroyed. Some thought it was broken during a revolt by common people. Others believed it was smashed by the conquering army from Yaxchilan.
Panel 3: A Glimpse into Palace Life
Kʼinich Yat Ahk II also ordered the carving of Panel 3. This panel was placed on the O-13 Pyramid. Panel 3 shows detailed stories of daily life in the palace. It also records a big celebration in 749 AD, called a Kʼatun celebration, which was held by the previous ruler, Itzam Kʼan Ahk II.
The panel shows that many important guests attended this celebration. These included a "first ruler" named Kʼan Moʼ Teʼ and even the temporary ruler of Yaxchilan, Yopaat Bahlam II. When Panel 3 was put up, Piedras Negras was starting to lose some of its power. So, Kʼinich Yat Ahk II likely had it made to remind people of a time when Piedras Negras was the most powerful city in the region.
Today, many archaeologists and Maya experts consider Panel 3 a "masterpiece of Maya art." This is because it helps us understand the lives of Itzam Kʼan Ahk II and his servants. It also gives us information about rare grammar in the ancient Maya writings.
