Parrot Chaak facts for kids

Parrot Chaak was an important ruler, also known as an ajaw (pronounced ah-HAW), of La Mar. La Mar was an ancient Maya city located in what is now the Mexican state of Chiapas.

Who Was Parrot Chaak?

Parrot Chaak became the ruler of La Mar in the year 725 AD. He is mentioned in several ancient Maya carvings and monuments. These carvings help us learn about his life and the history of his time.

A Powerful Ally

One important mention of Parrot Chaak is found on a large stone monument called Stela 12 at Piedras Negras. Piedras Negras was another powerful Maya city. This monument talks about special wars called "star wars." These were battles that Piedras Negras planned to happen at the same time as important events in the sky, like certain positions of stars or planets.

Parrot Chaak is named as a friend and helper, or an ally, to K'inich Yat Ahk II. K'inich Yat Ahk II was the ajaw (ruler) of Piedras Negras at that time. This shows that Parrot Chaak and La Mar were important partners in the region.

Clues from Ancient Art

Parrot Chaak is also mentioned on another important carving from Piedras Negras, called Throne 1. He is even shown as a small child on a carving known as Panel 3.

A Maya expert named Stephen D. Houston had an interesting idea about Throne 1. Parrot Chaak's name is carved on the back of the throne, almost like he is "supporting" the king. Houston thought that Parrot Chaak might have ordered this throne to be made. He might have then given it as a special gift to K'inich Yat Ahk II. This would have been a way to show their strong alliance.