Lamaw Ekʼ facts for kids

Lamaw Ekʼ was an important ancient Maya king. He ruled the city-state of Motul de San José in what is now Guatemala. Lamaw Ekʼ was king from around 755 AD to 779 AD.

Who Was Lamaw Ekʼ?

Lamaw Ekʼ was a powerful leader in the Maya world. He governed the city of Motul de San José. A "city-state" was like a small country. It had its own city and the land around it.

Ruling an Ancient City

Kings like Lamaw Ekʼ were very important. They made decisions for their people. They also led ceremonies and battles. We learn about these kings from old writings. These writings are often found on stone monuments or pottery.

Connections Across the Maya World

Archaeologists found a special pot far from Motul de San José. This pot showed pictures of Lamaw Ekʼ. It was found in a place called Altar de Sacrificios. Scientists studied the pot. They found out it was made in Motul de San José. This shows that Motul de San José traded with other cities. It also means they had connections with places far away.

Family and Royal Artists

Lamaw Ekʼ became king after another ruler named Yajaw Teʼ Kʼinich. But Lamaw Ekʼ was not his son. We know this from another ancient pot. This pot says Lamaw Ekʼ's father had the title kʼuhul Ikʼnal. This means he was a "divine noble" of Motul de San José. But he was not the king. The king's title was kʼuhul ajaw, meaning "divine lord."

Both Lamaw Ekʼ and the previous king had their own special artists. These artists were master painters. They created beautiful ceramic pots and other art. These artworks often showed important events or people. The name of Lamaw Ekʼ's painter is partly known. But it has not been fully figured out yet.