APRIL 7, 750

MAYAN AJAW (PIEDRO NEGRAS) K’INICH YAT AHK II BORN

Likely the final ajaw of Piedras Negras (PN), Kʼinich Yat Ahk II (also known as Ruler 7) was the son of Lady Bird; possibly son of either Itzam Kʼan Ahk II, or Tʼul Chiik, a prince of PN. The title “kʼinich,” means “red-faced,” denoting “lord of the sun.” He became ajaw on May 31, 781-almost a year after the death of his brother, Haʼ Kʼin Xook. Kʼinich Yat Ahk II first took military action August of 787 AD, capturing an ajaw of Santa Elena Poco Uinic. Then, in 792 & 794 AD, he initiated two successful “star wars” (wars coinciding with celestial events) against rival Pomona and aided by ally, Parrot Chaak of La Mar. In 808 AD, rival Yaxchilan conquered PN, took Kʼinich Yat Ahk captive, and may have razed PN. He died that same year. While PN’s dynasty may have survived for a time afterwards, its power was severely curtailed, and it ceased to exist around 810 AD.

Source:

Martin, Simon; Grube, Nikolai, Chronicle of the Maya kings and queens (2000).  Retrieved 11/29/2022, Chronicle of the Maya kings and queens : Martin, Simon. : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

Photo:  Teobert Maler, 1901. Plate XXI from Researches in the Central Portion of the Usumatsintla Valley, published in 1901.Piedras Negras: Stela 12. Public Domain. Source: File:Researches in the Central Portion of the Usumatsintla Valley.djvu - Wikimedia Commons