Yax Nuun Ahiin II facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yax Nuun Ahiin II |
|
|---|---|
| Ajaw | |
Yax Nuun Ahiin II's portrait on Stela 22
|
|
| King of Tikal | |
| Reign | 25 December 768 - c.794 |
| Predecessor | 28th Ruler |
| Successor | Nuun Ujol K'inich |
| Born | before 768 Tikal |
| Died | c.794 Tikal |
| Father | Yik'in Chan K'awiil |
| Mother | Lady Yax Ahau Xoc of Palenque |
| Religion | Maya religion |
| Signature |  |
Yax Nuun Ahiin II was a powerful ruler, known as an ajaw, of the ancient Maya city of Tikal. He is also sometimes called Ruler C or Chitam. He took the throne on December 25, 768, and probably ruled until his death around 794. He was the son of a previous king, Yik'in Chan K'awiil, and the brother of the ruler before him, known as the 28th Ruler.
Contents
Yax Nuun Ahiin II: A Tikal Ruler
Yax Nuun Ahiin II was an important leader in the rich history of the Maya people. He was born in Tikal, a very large and powerful city in what is now Guatemala. As an ajaw, he was like a king, leading his people and making important decisions. His rule was part of the Late Classic period of Maya history.
Who Was Yax Nuun Ahiin II?
Yax Nuun Ahiin II came from a royal family. His father was Yik'in Chan K'awiil, another famous king of Tikal. His mother was Lady Yax Ahau Xoc, who came from the city of Palenque. This shows how important royal families were and how they sometimes connected different Maya cities through marriage.
Ruling Tikal
When Yax Nuun Ahiin II became ajaw in 768, Tikal was a major center of Maya culture. Kings like him were responsible for many things. They led religious ceremonies, managed trade, and sometimes even led armies. They also ordered the creation of grand buildings and monuments. These monuments often told stories about their lives and achievements.
Important Monuments
We know about Yax Nuun Ahiin II because of special stone monuments found in Tikal. These monuments are like giant stone books that tell us about the past. The monuments linked to his rule include:
- Stela 19
- Stela 21
- Altar 6
- Altar 10
A stela is a tall, carved stone slab, often with pictures and hieroglyphs. An altar is a smaller stone block, usually found in front of a stela. These monuments often showed the king's portrait, important dates, and stories of his reign. For example, his portrait can be seen on Stela 22. These carvings help historians understand what life was like during his time.
