Yohl Ikʼnal facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lady Yohl Ikʼnal |
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|---|---|
| Ajaw | |
| Queen of Palenque | |
| Reign | 23 December 583 – 7 November 604 |
| Predecessor | Kan Bahlam I |
| Successor | Ajen Yohl Mat |
| Born | Before 583 Palenque |
| Died | 7 November 604 Palenque |
| Burial | Temple 20 of Palenque |
| Spouse | Janahb Pakal (possibly her son instead) |
| Issue | Ajen Yohl Mat Janahb Pakal (possibly her husband instead) Lady Sak Kʼukʼ |
| Father | Kʼan Joy Chitam I or Kan Bahlam I |
| Religion | Maya religion |
| Signature |  |
Yohl Ikʼnal was a powerful queen of the ancient Maya city-state of Palenque. She is also known as Lady Kan Ik or Lady Kʼanal Ikʼnal. She became queen on December 23, 583, and ruled until her death on November 7, 604.
Contents
Family and Royal Connections
Yohl Ikʼnal was an important ancestor of Kʼinich Janaab Pakal I. He became one of Palenque's most famous kings. She was either his grandmother or great-grandmother.
Yohl Ikʼnal was a descendant of Kʼukʼ Bahlam I. He was the first ruler of the Palenque royal family. She became queen less than a year after the death of her predecessor, Kan Bahlam I.
First Female Ruler
Yohl Ikʼnal was the first known female ruler in Maya history. It was very unusual for a woman to hold such a high position. She was one of only a few women in Maya history to have a full royal title.
She likely became queen because of special circumstances. Her predecessor, Kan Bahlam I, probably did not have a male heir. Yohl Ikʼnal was likely his sister or, more probably, his daughter. Her husband or son was named Janahb Pakal.
Other Female Rulers
Yohl Ikʼnal was one of two women to rule Palenque. The second was her daughter or granddaughter, Sak Kʼukʼ. This shows how important her family was in Palenque's history.
Yohl Ikʼnal's Reign
During Queen Yohl Ikʼnal's rule, Palenque faced a major challenge. The city was defeated by Calakmul, another very powerful Maya city. This battle happened on April 23, 599.
After the Battle
Even after the defeat, Yohl Ikʼnal continued to rule for several more years. She died in 604. Palenque kept its identity as a city-state. However, Yohl Ikʼnal probably had to pay tribute to the ruler of Calakmul. This meant sending valuable goods or payments to show loyalty.
There are signs that Palenque later rebelled against Calakmul's control. This might have happened under Yohl Ikʼnal or her successor before 611.
Her Burial Place
Archaeologist Merle Greene Robertson believes that Queen Yohl Ikʼnal's tomb is under Temple 20 in Palenque. She was important enough to be shown twice on the sarcophagus of her grandson or great-grandson, Kʼinich Janaab Pakal I. Her image was also carved in stucco on the wall of his tomb.
Images for kids
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Kʼinich Janaab Pakal I, grandson or great-grandson of Yohl Ikʼnal
See also
In Spanish: Yohl Ik'nal para niños
