Knot Ajaw facts for kids

Knot Ajaw was an important king of the ancient Maya people. He ruled the city-state of Caracol, which is now in Belize. Knot Ajaw became king after his father, Yajaw Te' K'inich II. He was king from the year 599 to 613 AD.

Understanding Knot Ajaw's Name

The name Ajaw (pronounced Ahaw) means "king" or "ruler" in the Mayan language. This king was also known by a few other names. People sometimes called him Ruler IV. He was also known as Ahaw Serpent and Flaming Ahaw. These names helped people identify him.

Knot Ajaw's Life Story

His Family and Birth

Knot Ajaw was the oldest son of King Yajaw Te' K'inich II. His mother was a noblewoman known as Lady 1 of Caracol. Knot Ajaw also had a stepmother, Lady Batz' Ek', and a half-brother named K'an II. His grandparents were K'an I and Lady K'al K'inich. Lady K'al K'inich's name was inspired by the Sun god. Knot Ajaw was born on November 28, 575.

His Time as King

Knot Ajaw became king on June 24, 599. It is possible that he ruled alongside his father for a few years before his father passed away. A special stone carving, called Stela 6, mentions a lord named Chekaj K'inich. This lord is described as a "younger brother," likely of Knot Ajaw's father. This suggests that Chekaj K'inich might have acted as a "guardian uncle" for Knot Ajaw when he was young. Knot Ajaw's younger brother later became the next king after him.