Yaxchilan's Royal Dynasty: 400 Years of Rulers. Dynasty founded by Yopat Balam I on July 23, 359 AD Dynasty ruled for more than 400 years City reached height of power in 7th and 8th centuries
The Yaxchilan dynasty was founded by Yopat Balam I on July 23, 359 AD and ruled for over 400 years, reaching its peak during the 7th and 8th centuries. Shield Jaguar III ruled for an extraordinary 61 years (681-742), conducting military campaigns against Palenke and capturing lords from Bonampak, Piedras Negras, and Tikal. His principal wife Lady K'abel held extraordinary prominence in Maya art as his paternal aunt, while Lady Ick Skull arrived as a foreign bride from Kalakmul around 704, representing the powerful Snake Dynasty marriage alliance. A 10-year succession gap followed Shield Jaguar III's death before Bird Jaguar IV took the throne in 752, with the last dated monument recording events from 808.
Key Facts
- Dynasty founded by Yopat Balam I on July 23, 359 AD
- Dynasty ruled for more than 400 years
- City reached height of power in 7th and 8th centuries
- Shield Jaguar III (Its Amni Balam III) ruled for 61 years (681-742) and fought against Palenke
- Successfully captured lords from Bonampak, Piedras Negras, and Tikal
- Lady K'abel (Lady Abal Shul) was Shield Jaguar III's principal wife and paternal aunt, occupying extraordinary prominence in Maya art
- Lady Ick Skull came as foreign bride from Kalakmul around 704, representing Snake Dynasty marriage alliance
- 10-year succession gap after Shield Jaguar III's death in 742 before Bird Jaguar IV took throne in 752
- Lady Ick Skull may have served as regent during interregnum
- Last dated monument records events from year 808
Related site: Yaxchilan — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: Exploring a Lost Maya City in the Jungle by World of Antiquity