FEBRUARY 14, 767

MAYAN AJAW (PIEDRO NEGRAS) HA K’IN XOOK ACCEDES TO THRONE

Haʼ Kʼin Xook, also referred to as Ruler 6, was likely the son of Itzam Kʼan Ahk II. His name translates to “Water Sun Shark.” He ascended the throne following the death of his brother Yoʼnal Ahk III. Not much is known about either Haʼ Kʼin Xook or his brother. Neither erected more than a handful of monuments, nor did they exert power beyond the existing Piedras Negras hegemony. Haʼ Kʼin Xook’s reign was comparatively quiet and free from war. On March 24, 780, Haʼ Kʼin Xok, abandoned the Lordship of Paw Stone place, but the reason why is still debated. He may have abdicated so that his brother, Kʼinich Yat Ahk II, could take the throne, or may have died on that date. Kʼinich Yat Ahk II took up the throne on May 31, 781 AD, almost a year after Haʼ Kʼin Xook’s reign officially ended. However, there is no evidence that anyone ruled Piedras Negras in the interim.

Sources:

Simon Martin and Nikolai Grube, Chronicle of the Maya kings and queens. Thames & Hudson: London, 2000).  Retrieved 10/17/2022, Chronicle of the Maya kings and queens: Martin, Simon. : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

Photo:  Teobert Maler, 1901. Plate XVIII, Stela 13. Public Domain. Source: Research in the Central Portion of the Usumatsintla Valley by Teoberto Maler, Peabody Museum.