Yax Mayuy Chan Chaak facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yax Mayuy Chan Chaak |
|
|---|---|
| Ajaw | |
| King of Naranjo | |
| Reign | c. 728 - 4 February 744 (until 741 under regency of Lady Wak Chanil Ajaw) |
| Predecessor | Kʼakʼ Tiliw Chan Chaak |
| Successor | Kʼakʼ Yipiy Chan Chaak (brother) |
| Born | Naranjo |
| Died | 4 February 744 Naranjo |
| Father | K'ak' U ? Chan Chaak or Kʼakʼ Tiliw Chan Chaak |
| Mother | Lady Wak Chanil Ajaw or Lady Unen Bahlam of Tuub'al |
| Religion | Maya religion |
Yax Mayuy Chan Chaak was an important ruler, also known as an Ajaw, of the ancient Maya city of Naranjo. He ruled around 728 CE until 744 CE. We know about him from ancient stone carvings called stelae, specifically Naranjo Stela 18 and Stela 46. He became king after K'ak' Tiliw Chan Chaak, who might have been his older brother or his father.
Contents
Early Life and Royal Duties
Yax Mayuy Chan Chaak was likely a young man or even a teenager when he started his royal duties. On August 15, 725 CE, he took part in a special ceremony in Naranjo. This event is mentioned on Stela 46. He was with another person named Yax Bajlaj Chan Chaak. This ceremony might have been a way to show that Yax Mayuy was the next in line to become king.
Military Actions as a Young Ruler
Even at a young age, Yax Mayuy was involved in important events. In 726 CE, he played a part in a successful military victory. His city, Naranjo, won a battle against a group of people called the Komkom. This achievement is recorded on Stela 18. It shows that he was active in the city's defense and expansion early on.
Challenges During His Reign
Yax Mayuy Chan Chaak's time as ruler was a difficult period for Naranjo. Historians call this the "Second Hiatus Period" for Naranjo. This is because not many new monuments or carvings were made during his rule. This suggests a time of less stability or prosperity.
Conflicts with Tikal
During his reign, Naranjo faced many military defeats. These losses were at the hands of Tikal, another powerful Maya city. Naranjo had supported Tikal's enemy, Dos Pilas. This support likely led to Tikal attacking Naranjo.
Tikal's Attacks on Naranjo
Tikal launched several attacks on Naranjo. They burned important ritual buildings. They also burned a special statue of Naranjo's god. Tikal even attacked a sacred cave where the people of Naranjo held important ceremonies. These actions were meant to weaken Naranjo's power and spirit.
Capture and Fate
During these difficult times, Yax Mayuy Chan Chaak was captured. He was taken to Tikal. Tikal Stela 5 shows him tied up with ropes. This carving suggests he was a prisoner. He likely died on or shortly after February 4, 744 CE. This date is when Tikal Stela 5 was put up.
