Kʼinich Yax Kʼukʼ Moʼ facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Kʼinich Yax Kʼukʼ Moʼ |
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| Ajaw | |
Incense burner found at the site of Copan and believed to depict Kʼinich Yax Kʼukʼ Mo.
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| King of Copán | |
| Reign | 9 February 427 – 437 |
| Successor | Kʼinich Popol Hol |
| Born | Tikal |
| Died | 437 Copán |
| Issue | Kʼinich Popol Hol |
| Religion | Maya religion |
Kʼinich Yax Kʼukʼ Moʼ (which means "Great Sun, Quetzal Macaw the First") was a very important ruler in ancient Maya history. He is known as the founder and first king of the powerful Maya city of Copán. Copán was a major Maya site located in what is now Honduras. He ruled from about 426 AD to 437 AD.
When you look at pictures of Kʼinich Yax Kʼukʼ Moʼ on old stone carvings, you might notice that his style looks a bit like art from a famous city far away called Teotihuacan in central Mexico. People thought this meant he came from Teotihuacan, especially because he often wore a special "goggle-eyed" headdress. This headdress looked like the rain god known as Tlaloc to later people like the Aztecs. However, modern science has shown that Kʼinich Yax Kʼukʼ Moʼ actually grew up much closer to Copán, in a city called Tikal. So, he didn't live in Teotihuacan himself.
His Burial Place: The Hunal Tomb
Scientists found the remains of Kʼinich Yax Kʼukʼ Moʼ in a special burial spot called the Hunal Tomb. This tomb was located inside Temple 16, which is part of the main royal area (called the acropolis) in Copán. When he was buried, he had beautiful jade and shell jewelry with him. This included his famous "goggle-eyed" headdress.
Altar Q: A Stone Story
Kʼinich Yax Kʼukʼ Moʼ is shown in the very first spot on a famous stone carving called Altar Q. This carving is like a list of all the kings who ruled Copán, showing them in order. Because he is first, it highlights his importance as the founder of the royal family. You can also see his image in important places on other monuments made by later kings, showing that they respected him.
Influence on Other Cities
Kʼinich Yax Kʼukʼ Moʼ wasn't just important for Copán. He also had influence over nearby areas. For example, he helped put another king named Tok Casper on the throne of a nearby city called Quirigua. This shows how powerful and respected he was in the region.
See also
In Spanish: Kinich Yax Kuk Moo para niños
