MAYAN WAR-CALAKMUL DEFEATS PALANQUE, INSTALLS RULER
XXXBy about 550 A.D., the city of Calakmul had established itself as a Mayan power. In 562, the king, now known as Sky Witness, defeated Calakmul’s chief rival city, Tikal, and sacrificed its king, Wak Chan K’awiil. This ensured Calakmul’s preeminence. Sky Witness died about 572 and was succeeded initially by Yax Yopaat (First Axewielder). In 579, Uneh Chan (Scroll Serpent) became king of Calakmul. In 599, he focused on wealthy trade routes through the western Mayan region and, as a result, the city of Palenque. Scroll Serpent defeated Palenque’s queen, Lady Yohl Ik’nal, and sacked the city. Lady Yohl Ik’nal survived the battle and maintained her rule, but likely as a tribute to Calakmul. Uneh Chan again sacked Palenque on April 7, 611. Palenque, now ruled by king Ajen Yohl Mat, may have exercised some unapproved independence from Calakmul. This victory led to the death of Ajen Yohl Mat and Palenque suffered a lengthy decline.
Source: Martin, Simon; Nikolai Grube (2000). Chronicle of the Maya Kings and Queens: Deciphering the Dynasties of the Ancient Maya. London and New York: Thames & Hudson. ISBN 0-500-05103-8. OCLC 47358325. Photo: Wolfgang Sauber. Permissive Use.
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