Yax Ehb Xook facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yax Ehb Xook |
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| Ajaw of Tikal | |
Yax Ehb Xook's glyph
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| Reign | c.90 AD |
| Predecessor | New Creation |
| Successor | Foliated Jaguar |
| Religion | Maya religion |
Yax Ehb Xook was an important ancient Maya ruler. He is also known as Yax Moch Xok and Yax Chakte'I Xok. He was the first ruler, or ajaw (a type of king or lord), of the powerful Maya city of Tikal. He ruled around 90 AD.
Tikal's Ancient Beginnings
For a long time, experts thought Yax Ehb Xook ruled much later. They believed he was in power between 170 AD and 238 AD. This idea came from linking his rule to the death of another ruler, Chak Tok Ich'aak I.
However, new information showed that Chak Tok Ich'aak I was the fourteenth ruler, not the ninth. This meant Yax Ehb Xook's rule was much earlier. This earlier date shows how important Tikal was. It played a key role in starting the Classic Maya civilization. This was a time when Maya culture really grew in the lowlands.
About Yax Ehb Xook
We do not have many records or monuments from Yax Ehb Xook's time. What we know about him comes from archaeological finds. It also comes from later rulers who mentioned him. They recognized him as the founder of their royal family.
A special jade earflare was found at a place called Kaminaljuyu. This earflare has Yax Ehb Xook's name on it. This might mean he originally came from Kaminaljuyu. Then he traveled to Tikal.
Even though later rulers saw him as Tikal's founder, he might not have built the city itself. Older tombs found in Tikal's North Acropolis suggest the city existed before him. It is likely that Yax Ehb Xook became known as the founder because of his important actions and rule.
