Yax Pasaj Chan Yopaat facts for kids

Yax Pasaj Chan Yopaat was a powerful ruler of the ancient Maya kingdom of Xukpi. This kingdom was located where the city of Copán is today, in western Honduras. He ruled from 763 AD until at least 810 AD. He is famous for creating the important stone monument known as Altar Q.

Who Was Yax Pasaj Chan Yopaat?

Yax Pasaj Chan Yopaat was the sixteenth and last king in his family line. His name means 'New son on the Horizon'. He was the son of a king named Smoke Shell and a noblewoman from the city of Palenque.

His Time as King

When Yax Pasaj Chan Yopaat became king in 763 AD, he started many projects to make Copán even better. He worked on making the city more beautiful with new buildings and art. He also supported smart people and writers, encouraging them to do their best work.

King Yax Pasaj Chan Yopaat also made big improvements in farming. This helped the city grow and allowed many more people to live there. He ordered the creation of Altar Q, a special stone carving. On this carving, you can see him receiving the royal scepter, a symbol of power, from the first king of his family, K'inich Yax K'uk' Mo'.

By the time he died around 800 AD, almost all the main buildings you can still see in the city's important center (called the Acropolis) were finished.

What Happened After Him?

After Yax Pasaj Chan Yopaat passed away, the city of Copán began to face challenges. The rulers who came after him were not as strong or effective. Because of this, many people from Copán started to move away to other nearby cities.