Yajaw Teʼ Kʼinich I facts for kids

Yajaw Teʼ Kʼinich I was an important king (also called an ajaw) of the ancient Maya city of Caracol. Caracol is located in what is now the country of Belize. He ruled for about 30 years, from 484 AD to 514 AD.

Who Was Yajaw Teʼ Kʼinich I?

Yajaw Teʼ Kʼinich I was likely the son of another king, Kʼahkʼ Ujol Kʼinich I. His mother was a noblewoman known as Lady of Xultun. She might have been one of his father's wives.

Unlike some earlier kings who are only mentioned in old stories written much later, Yajaw Teʼ Kʼinich I has monuments that were made during his own lifetime. These monuments tell us about events that happened when he was alive, like a date recorded in 487 AD.

His Important Monuments

Kings often built special stone structures to remember important events or to show their power. These structures are called monuments. For Yajaw Teʼ Kʼinich I, his monuments include two large carved stone slabs called stelae (specifically Stela 13 and Stela 20). He also had an altar, which is a flat stone used for ceremonies, called Altar 4. These monuments help historians learn about his reign.

His Family

Yajaw Teʼ Kʼinich I had a son named Kʼan I. Later, his grandson, Yajaw Teʼ Kʼinich II, also became a ruler. This shows a line of kings from the same family ruling Caracol.