Yax Nuun Ahiin I facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yax Nuun Ahiin I |
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| Ajaw | |
Yax Nuun Ahiin I's portrait on Stela 4
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| King of Tikal | |
| Reign | 12 September 379 – 17 June 404 |
| Predecessor | Chak Tok Ich'aak I |
| Successor | Sihyaj Chan K'awiil II |
| Born | Teotihuacan? |
| Died | 17 June 404 Tikal |
| Burial | Temple 34 (Burial 10) |
| Spouse | Lady K'inich |
| Issue | Sihyaj Chan K'awiil II |
| Father | Spearthrower Owl |
| Religion | Maya religion |
| Signature |  |
Yax Nuun Ahiin I was an important ruler of the ancient Maya city of Tikal. He was also known by the names Curl Snout and Curl Nose. He became the king, or ajaw, of Tikal on September 12, 379 CE. He ruled until his death, which was likely on June 17, 404 CE. His name means "First ? Crocodile."
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The Life of Yax Nuun Ahiin I
Yax Nuun Ahiin I was the son of a powerful lord named Spearthrower Owl. His father probably ruled the city of Teotihuacán in central Mexico. Yax Nuun Ahiin I becoming king of Tikal showed how much influence Teotihuacan had over the Maya lands.
When he became king, Yax Nuun Ahiin I might have been a child or a young person. For the first few years of his rule, one of his father's generals, Sihyaj K'ahk', seemed to be in charge. This was like a temporary ruler helping him.
Sihyaj K'ahk' arrived in Tikal on May 15, 378 CE. This was the same day the previous ruler, Chak Tok Ich'aak I, died. It seems that Sihyaj K'ahk' might have taken over Tikal by force. Then, Yax Nuun Ahiin I was put on the throne.
His Appearance and Family
Two stone monuments in Tikal, called Stela 4 and Stela 18, show Yax Nuun Ahiin I. On these carvings, he wears Mexican clothes, not Maya clothes. This shows that he came from Teotihuacan.
He is also shown on another monument, Stela 31. His son, Sihyaj Chan K'awiil II, put up this stela. It shows Yax Nuun Ahiin I as a warrior from Teotihuacan. He wears a helmet, carries a spear-thrower, and has a square shield. This shield has the face of a Mexican god on it.
His wife's titles suggest she was a Maya woman. She was likely chosen to connect his family to the local Maya leaders.
When Did He Die?
It is not fully clear when Yax Nuun Ahiin I died. The writing on Stela 31 says he was buried in 404 CE. However, another carving, called the Hombre de Tikal, suggests he might have been alive in November 406 CE.
Also, a special ceremony in May 406 CE was led by someone named Sihyaj Chan K'inich. Usually, the king would lead this event. This might mean there was a time when no one was officially king. Sihyaj Chan K'inich might have been a temporary ruler. Yax Nuun Ahiin I's son, Sihyaj Chan K'awiil II, became king in November 411 CE.
The Tomb of Yax Nuun Ahiin I
The tomb of Yax Nuun Ahiin I is called "Burial 10." It was found by archaeologists from the University of Pennsylvania in the 1950s. The tomb was deep inside a temple at the base of the North Acropolis. It is one of the most amazing and complete Maya burials ever found.
What Was Found in the Tomb?
The king's body was placed on a wooden bed. Around him were the bodies of at least nine young people who had been sacrificed. They ranged in age from about six years old to young adults. At least one of them seemed to have died inside the tomb.
A crocodile without a head was also buried with the king. This was probably a hint to his name, which means "Crocodile."
Many valuable items were placed around the tomb. These included pottery decorated with Mexican designs and images of Mexican gods. There was also a Maya-style censer, which is a container for burning incense. It was shaped like an old god sitting on a stool made from human bones. Turtle shells were arranged to form a type of xylophone. A jade ornament shaped like a curl-snouted crocodile was also found.
See also
In Spanish: Yax Nuun Ahiin I para niños
