Reign
During the reign of Yohl Ik'nal, Palenque suffered an important defeat by Calakmul, one of the two great Maya powers of the Classic Period. The battle took place on 23 April 599 but Yohl Ikʻnal reigned for several years more and died in AD 604. After the defeat, Palenque apparently maintained its political identity but Yohl Ik'nal probably had to pay tribute to the king of Calakmul. There are indications that either Yohl Ik'nal or her successor successfully rebelled against Calakmulʻs dominance before 611.
Archaeologist Merle Greene Robertson has suggested that a vaulted tomb under Temple 20 at Palenque is that of Queen Yohl Ik'nal. She was considered important enough to be depicted twice on the sarcophagus of her grandson K'inich Janaab' Pakal and to be sculpted in stucco on the wall of his tomb.
| Preceded by Kan B'alam I |
Queen of Palenque December 23, 583 – November 7, 604 |
Succeeded by Aj Ne' Yohl Mat |
Read more about this topic: Yohl Ik'nal
Famous quotes containing the word reign:
“Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven.”
—John Milton (1608–1674)
“Their Cause was gen’ral, their Supports were strong,
Their Slaves were willing, and their Reign was long;”
—Samuel Johnson (1709–1784)