Jasaw Chan Kʼawiil I

Jasaw Chan Kʼawiil I[N 1] also known as Ruler A, Ah Cacao and Sky Rain, (before 682-734), was an ajaw of the Maya city of Tikal. He took the throne on May 3, 682 and reigned until his death.[N 2][1]

Jasaw Chan Kʼawiil I
Ajaw of Tikal
Stela 16, erected in 711 representing Jasaw Chan Kʼawiil I.
Reign	May 3, 682-734
Predecessor	Nuun Ujol Chaak
Successor	Yikʼin Chan Kʼawiil
Born	before 682
Died	734
Burial	Temple 1 (Burial 116)
Spouse	Lady Lahan Unen Moʼ
Issue	Yikʼin Chan Kʼawiil
Father	Nuun Ujol Chaak
Mother	Lady Jaguar Seat
Religion	Maya religion

Biography

Jasaw Chan Kʼawiil I's glyph

Before advances in the decipherment of the Maya script revealed this reading of his name, this ruler was also known to researchers as Tikal Ruler A, Jasaw Chan Kʼawiil or by the nickname Ah Cacao.[1]

One of the most celebrated of Tikal's rulers, Jasaw Chan Kʼawiil's reign came at the end of a 130-year-long hiatus in Tikal's historical record, and his defeat of the rival Maya city of Calakmul in 695 is seen to represent a resurgence in the strength and influence of Tikal.[2]

Two structures at Tikal in particular are associated with Jasaw Chan Kʼawiil. Tikal Temple I is a classically Petén-styled stepped pyramid structure which served as this ruler's tomb, although it is unclear whether it was built for this specific purpose. Tikal Temple II served as the tomb for his wife, Lady Lahan Unen Moʼ (died c.704).[3] His successor was his son Yikʼin Chan Kʼawiil.[1]

Notes

1. The ruler's name, when transcribed is ja-sa-wa CHAN-na-KʼAWI꞉L-la, translated "Kʼawiil that Clears? the Sky", Martin & Grube 2008, p.44.
2. These are the dates indicated on the Maya inscriptions in Mesoamerican Long Count calendar, Accession: 9.12.9.17.16 5 Kib 14 Sotzʼ, Martin & Grube 2008, p.44.

Footnotes

1. Martin & Grube 2008, p.44.
2. Martin & Grube 2008, pp.44-45.
3. Martin & Grube 2008, pp.46-47.

References

• Martin, Simon; Nikolai Grube (2008). Chronicle of the Maya Kings and Queens: Deciphering the Dynasties of the Ancient Maya (2nd ed.). London and New York: Thames & Hudson. ISBN 9780500287262. OCLC 191753193.