Kowoj facts for kids
The Kowoj (pronounced like "koh-woj") were an important Maya group and a powerful kingdom that existed a long time ago, from about 1250 to 1697 AD. They were one of the last Maya groups to be conquered by outsiders. The Kowoj people believed they came from a famous Maya city called Mayapan, after it fell apart in 1441 AD. Old writings and language clues show that people moved between the Yucatán Peninsula and the Petén region, which is where the Kowoj lived.
Kowoj Cities and Homes
The Kowoj built their main cities around lakes in the Petén Basin area. Their most important cities were Zacpeten, located on Salpetén Lake, and Ixlu, which was built between Lake Petén Itzá and Salpetén Lake. Another big city was Topoxte, found on the Yaxha lagoon. However, Topoxte was left empty before the Kowoj were finally conquered in 1697 AD. The Kowoj and their neighbors, the Itzá, were the very last Maya cultures to be taken over in Mesoamerica.
Unique Buildings and Temples
The Kowoj had a special way of building their main temples and important buildings. They often arranged them in a `C`-shape around a central open area, or plaza. This unique building style can be seen in both Mayapan and the Petén region, showing their connection. These special temple areas were the heart of Kowoj cities. They also showed that the Kowoj were connected to the important city of Mayapan and helped them stand out from their neighbors, the Itzá people.
For example, at Kowoj sites like Zacpetén, Topoxte, and Muralla de Leon, you can see these specific temple layouts. These places were all within the Kowoj's territory. Other Maya groups in the area, like the Itzá, built their ceremonial places very differently and didn't seem to have these formal temples.
The homes in Zacpetén were often built in groups around a patio. These houses usually had two rooms: a front room and a back room. The front room often had smooth, painted walls and was used for meeting people and special ceremonies. The back room usually had an earthen floor and was where families did their daily chores and made things.
See also
In Spanish: Couoh para niños
