Yichʼaak Bʼalam facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yichʼaak Bahlam |
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| Ajaw | |
Stela 16 from Dos Pilas depicts the defeated king Yichʼaak Bʼalam.
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| King of Seibal | |
| Reign | c.735-c.750? |
| Religion | Maya religion |
Yichʼaak Bʼalam was an important king (also known as an Ajaw) of the ancient Maya city of Seibal. He ruled during a time when different Maya cities often fought for power.
Who Was King Yichʼaak Bʼalam?
Yichʼaak Bʼalam was a ruler in the ancient Maya world. He was the king of Seibal, a city located in what is now Guatemala. His time as king was marked by big changes and challenges for his city.
Seibal's Battle and Capture
In the year 735 AD, a powerful king named Uchaʼan Kʼin Bʼalam attacked Seibal. This king was the fourth ruler of the Dos Pilas kingdom. During this attack, Yichʼaak Bʼalam was captured.
Instead of being harmed, Yichʼaak Bʼalam became a "vassal." This means he had to follow the rules of the stronger king from Dos Pilas. He was no longer fully independent. A stone carving called Aguateca Stela 2 even shows Yichʼaak Bʼalam under the feet of Uchaʼan Kʼin Bʼalam. This shows who was in charge.
Ruling Under a New King
Yichʼaak Bʼalam continued to be a vassal even after Uchaʼan Kʼin Bʼalam. The next king of Dos Pilas was Kʼawiil Chan Kʼinich. Yichʼaak Bʼalam still had to serve this new ruler.
Kʼawiil Chan Kʼinich even visited Seibal in 745 and 747. He led special ceremonies and events there. This showed that Dos Pilas still had control over Seibal and its king, Yichʼaak Bʼalam.
