Lady of Tikal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ix Yo'kin(Lady of Tikal) |
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|---|---|
| Ajaw | |
| Queen of Tikal with co-ruler (husband?) Kaloomteʼ Bahlam |
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| Reign | 19 April 511 - 527/34 |
| Predecessor | Chak Tok Ichʼaak II |
| Successor | Bird Claw |
| Born | 1 September 504 Tikal |
| Died | 527/34 Tikal |
| Spouse | Kaloomteʼ Bahlam (possibly) |
| Father | Kʼan Chitam |
| Mother | Lady Tzutz Nik |
| Religion | Maya religion |
| Signature |  |
The Lady of Tikal, also known as the Woman of Tikal, was an important queen of the ancient Maya city of Tikal. She was born on September 1, 504. She became queen on April 19, 511, when she was only six years old. She ruled Tikal until around 527.
Her Life as Queen
We learn about the Lady of Tikal from ancient stone carvings called stelae. One important carving is Stela 23. This stela tells us she became a leader on April 19, 511. She was only six years old at the time. She didn't rule alone. Instead, she shared power with someone named Kaloomteʼ Bahlam. He might have been her husband.
Historians believe she was the daughter of Chak Tok Ichʼaak II, a previous ruler. Stela 23 shows a picture of the Lady of Tikal. This stone carving was broken a long time ago. It was later put back up, but it was not complete.
Other Mentions of the Lady of Tikal
It is thought that Stela 6 and Stela 12 also talk about the Lady of Tikal. However, she is called by a different name on these carvings. We don't know much about her connection to Bird Claw. Bird Claw might have been the next ruler of Tikal. It is hard to read the text on Stela 8, which could explain their relationship. It's interesting that Bird Claw did not use the special symbol, or "emblem," of Tikal. This might mean he was not directly related to the royal family of Tikal.
Two Ladies of Tikal
It can be a bit confusing because another important Maya queen is also sometimes called "Lady of Tikal." This is Lady Six Sky. She was a queen from the cities of Dos Pilas and Naranjo. She is more often known as the "Woman of Tikal."
The first Lady of Tikal, the one this article is about, was born in September 504. Lady Six Sky, the other queen, became ruler of Naranjo much later, in 682. They lived in different time periods.
