Kʼan II facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kʼan II |
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| Ajaw | |
Caracol glyph
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| King of Caracol | |
| Reign | 9 March 618 - 21 July 658 |
| Predecessor | Knot Ajaw |
| Successor | K'ahk' Ujol K'inich II |
| Born | 18 April 588 Caracol |
| Died | 21 July 658 (aged 70) Caracol |
| Issue | K'ahk' Ujol K'inich II (possibly) |
| Father | Yajaw Teʼ Kʼinich II |
| Mother | Lady Batzʼ Ekʼ of La Corona |
| Religion | Maya religion |
Kʼan II was an important Maya ruler. He was also known as Ruler V, Lord Stormwater Moon, and Antenna Top II. He was born on April 18, 588, and became the king of Caracol, a powerful Maya city in what is now Belize. He ruled for many years, from 618 AD until his death on July 21, 658 AD.
Contents
Who Was Kʼan II?
His Family and Early Life
Kʼan II was a younger son of King Yajaw Teʼ Kʼinich II. His mother was Lady Batzʼ Ekʼ. He had a half-brother named Knot Ajaw. His grandfather, Kʼan I, was also a king of Caracol. When Kʼan II became king, he took his grandfather's name. He often added his childhood name, Sak Bʼaah Witzil, to his royal name. This helped people know his records apart from his grandfather's.
How Did Kʼan II Rule?
Kʼan II is thought to be one of Caracol's most successful kings. During his time, the city of Caracol grew a lot. More people moved to the areas around the city center. This growth showed that Caracol was becoming very wealthy. Even people living further out had nice homes and valuable items.
The city also built more roads. These roads helped connect the growing population. They made it easier for people and goods to move around.
Kʼan II's mother was not the king's main wife. Because of this, Kʼan II made sure to show his royal right to rule. He also highlighted his mother's importance in the records carved on a stone monument called Stela 3.
Important Events During His Reign
Kʼan II's records tell us about his father's time as king. His father's rule saw a big change. Caracol stopped being under the control of Tikal. Instead, it came under the power of the Kaan, or "Snake," kingdom. Kʼan II also recorded a major event in 562 AD when Tikal faced a big defeat.
Kʼan II's records also mention the Snake kingdom many times. They talk about:
- An event in 619 AD with Yuknoom Chan.
- The start of Tajoom Ukʼabʼ Kʼahkʼ's rule in 622 AD.
- Kʼan II getting a gift from Tajoom Ukʼabʼ Kʼahkʼ in 627 AD.
- Tajoom Ukʼabʼ Kʼahkʼ's death in 630 AD.
- Two successful wars in 631 AD and 636 AD involving Yuknoom Head.
It was likely around this time that the Snake kingdom became very strong in Calakmul.
One of Kʼan II's most famous monuments is the Naranjo Hieroglyphic Stairway. This stairway has carvings that tell stories from his time.
His Death
Kʼan II died on July 21, 658 AD, in Caracol.
