Yuknoom Tookʼ Kʼawiil facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Yuknoom Tookʼ Kʼawiil |
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| Ajaw | |
Yuknoom Tookʼ Kʼawiil's portrait on Stela 51, dated to 731
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| King of Calakmul | |
| Reign | 701-736 |
| Predecessor | Yuknoom Yichʼaak Kʼahkʼ |
| Successor | Wamaw Kʼawiil |
| Born | Calakmul |
| Died | 736 Calakmul |
| Burial | Calakmul |
| Spouse | Lady of Stela 54 |
| Issue | Daughter, Queen of La Corona Wamaw Kʼawiil (possibly) Lady Eveningstar, Queen of Yaxchilán (possibly) |
| Father | Yuknoom Yichʼaak Kʼahkʼ |
| Religion | Maya religion |
Yuknoom Tookʼ Kʼawiil was a powerful Maya king, also known as an Ajaw. He ruled the Kaan kingdom, which was based in the city of Calakmul. His reign lasted for many years, from about 701 AD to 736 AD.
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Reign of Yuknoom Tookʼ Kʼawiil
Celebrating Important Dates
Yuknoom Tookʼ Kʼawiil started his rule by putting up many tall stone monuments. These monuments are called stelae. He used them to celebrate important dates, like the end of a 20-year period in 702 AD.
Even though Calakmul had faced challenges before, its influence seemed to be strong. Texts from other cities, like Dos Pilas, mentioned his name. This showed that Calakmul still had power over other Maya cities.
Keeping Allies Close
The city of El Peru remained loyal to Calakmul. Yuknoom Tookʼ Kʼawiil even oversaw the crowning of a new ruler there. This showed that Calakmul still had control over its allies.
Another city, Naranjo, also stayed loyal. Years later, a king from Naranjo still showed his support for Yuknoom Tookʼ Kʼawiil's father. This suggests that Calakmul's network of allies was still strong.
Building Grand Monuments
In 731 AD, Yuknoom Tookʼ Kʼawiil ordered even more impressive stelae to be built. These were some of the most beautiful sculptures from Calakmul. Many were placed at the base of a large building called Structure 1.
One famous monument, Stela 51, shows a picture of Yuknoom Tookʼ Kʼawiil. It is now kept in a museum in Mexico City. This stela is a great example of ancient Maya art.
Challenges and Changes
Despite the grand monuments, Calakmul faced difficulties. An altar found in Tikal shows a captured person from Calakmul. This carving dates to around 733 to 736 AD. It suggests that Calakmul might have faced a defeat.
Yuknoom Tookʼ Kʼawiil's name might be on this carving, but it is hard to read. We know that a new king, Wamaw Kʼawiil, took over the throne in 736 AD. This marked the end of Yuknoom Tookʼ Kʼawiil's long reign.
Family Life
Yuknoom Tookʼ Kʼawiil was likely married to a woman known as the Lady of Stela 54.
He also had a daughter who became important. In 721 AD, his daughter married a lord from the city of La Corona. This marriage helped create strong ties between Calakmul and La Corona.
