Mo-Chel facts for kids

Mo-Chel was an important leader in the ancient Maya world. He was the very first `Halach Uinik` (which means supreme ruler or true man) of a Maya state called `Ah Kin Chel`. He started a new ruling family, the `Chel family`, and created a new independent state.

Who Was Mo-Chel?

Mo-Chel was originally a nobleman. This means he came from an important and wealthy family. His father-in-law was a main priest in a big Maya city called Mayapan. This priest, named Ah Xupan Nauat, arranged for his daughter, Namox Chel, to marry Mo-Chel.

Founding a New Maya State

Mo-Chel was very smart and is said to have known that the `League of Mayapan` was going to fall apart. The League of Mayapan was a powerful group of Maya cities that worked together. Because he knew it would end, Mo-Chel left Mayapan.

He traveled with some of his followers to a place called Tecoh. This town was near another important Maya city, Izamal. In Tecoh, Mo-Chel set up his own independent state. This means it was a new country, ruled only by him.

Naming the New State

Mo-Chel named his new state `Ah Kin Chel`. The name has a special meaning. `Ah Kin` means "high priest" or "is from the sun" in the Maya language. `Chel` came from his own family name. Many Maya states were named this way, using the name of their ruling family.

Why Did Mo-Chel Choose Tecoh?

Mo-Chel might have chosen Tecoh as his capital for a few reasons. He had once made a special trip, called a pilgrimage, to the coast in that area. This trip might have made the place important to him. He also thought it would be easier to find new followers and supporters there.