Yuknoom Chʼeen I facts for kids

Yuknoom Chʼeen I was an important king (ruler) of the ancient Maya people. He is known as the first clear historical ruler of the Kaan Kingdom. He might have been the father of another king, Tuun Kʼabʼ Hix.

Who Was Yuknoom Chʼeen I?

Yuknoom Chʼeen I is considered the first truly historical king of the Kaan Kingdom. Before him, there were lists of 19 kings on special dynastic vases. But it's not clear if all those names were real historical rulers or more like legends. Yuknoom Chʼeen I is the first one we have clear proof about.

The Kaan Kingdom's Early Home

Around the year AD 500, when Yuknoom Chʼeen I was alive, we are not completely sure where the Kaan Kingdom's main city was. Later, the city of Calakmul became the capital. But it seems that earlier, the capital might have been somewhere else.

Dzibanche: A Possible Capital

The city of Dzibanche is a strong possibility for the Kaan Kingdom's earlier capital. Yuknoom Chʼeen I's name appears many times there. It is carved on a special "captive stairway." This stairway shows images of people who were captured. It is believed that these captives were his trophies, showing his power and victories. This suggests that Yuknoom Chʼeen I was a ruler of Dzibanche.