Kan Maax facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kan Maax |
|
|---|---|
| Ajaw | |
| King of Cancuén | |
| Reign | c.800 |
| Predecessor | Tajal Chan Ahk |
| Born | Cancuén |
| Died | Cancuén |
| Father | Tajal Chan Ahk |
| Religion | Maya religion |
Kan Maax (pronounced "Kahn Mah-ash") was an important ruler, or Ajaw, of an ancient Maya city named Cancuén. He lived around the year 800 CE. Cancuén was a powerful city located near the start of the Pasion River in what is now Guatemala. Kan Maax is believed to be the very last known ruler of this city.
Discovering Kan Maax
How Archaeologists Found Him
In 2005, a team of archaeologists was working at the ancient site of Cancuén. Archaeologists are like history detectives. They dig up and study old things to learn about people who lived long ago. During their work, they found a special burial site.
The Royal Burial
This burial was very important, showing it belonged to someone of high rank. Inside, they found the remains of a man. Next to him, they found the remains of his queen.
Identifying the Ruler
The archaeologists found a necklace with the man's body. This necklace had his name and title written in Maya glyphs. Glyphs are a type of ancient writing system used by the Maya people. This special necklace helped the archaeologists figure out that the man was Kan Maax.
