Casper (Maya ruler)
" Casper II " ( born August 8, 422; † probably 487), also called " Kasper " or " Kaspar ", was an early ruler ( Ajaw ) of the Mayan city of Palenque. He ruled on August 9, 435 until his death. When the name " Casper " is a modern Notnamen because his real name so far can not be read.
Name
The name of this ruler is known only in a writing which showed a logogram, which could not be read without supplementary phonetic complement. Since it had similarity with a comic liable spirits representation, the researcher Floyd Lounsbury was the ruler nicknamed " Casper " as a pun on the eponymous comic book.
A likewise belonging to the names, initial signs may be read " Ch'aaj ". However, it represents only the first part of the name, the complete name is still unentschlüsselt.
Reign
" Casper II " was on August 8, 422 ( Long Count 8.19.6.8.8, 11 Lamat 6 Xul calendar round ) born and ascended the throne on August 9, 435 ( 8.19.19.11.17, 2 Kaban 10 Xul ) aged of 13 years.
For his reign celebrations have survived the end of a katun period ( December 10 9.0.0.0.0 = 435). Other well-known events are the inaugurations of two dignitaries. Possible relationships to Yaxchilan were suspected because of an inscription found there, who call a name of " Casper " is very similar. However, it is controversial in the research, whether it is in fact him or another person.
A drinking vessel of " Casper " reign witnessed a high level of skill at this early stage of the history of Palenque. It is a pictorial representation of the ruler and represents the only labeled object from the early classical period, which was previously found in Palenque.
Like its predecessor K'uk ' Bahlam I, founder of the dynasty of Palenque is also brought " Casper " with a place called Toktahn in conjunction. This has not yet been located and could be the origin of the ruling family of Palenque be.
" Caspers " date of death is not known, but the accession of his successor Butzaj Sak chiik has survived for 28 July 487. It can therefore be assumed that " Casper " with over 50 years had one of the longest reigns in the history of Palenque.