Yohl Ik'nal

Yohl Ik'nal († November 4 604) was a ruler ( Ajaw ) of the Mayan city of Palenque. She reigned from 23 December 583 until her death. She was the first woman on the throne of Palenque.

Origin and family

When Yohl Ik'nal was born, is not known. Her family background is unclear. Since very few women came to the throne during the Classic period of Maya history, the reason may have been due to their takeover of their belonging to the ruling dynasty. Most likely, she was the daughter or the sister of her predecessor Kan Bahlam I, who died without male heirs. However, there is so far no evidence for this. Also, the familiar relation to their successors Ajen Yohl Mat is unclear, it may have been her son. During whose reign a Janaab Pakal play a significant role. Hardly anything is known about him. He could have been another son or a husband of Yohl Ik'nal.

Reign

Yohl Ik'nal ascended the throne on 23 December 583 ( Long Count 9.7.10.3.8, Calendar Round 9 Lamat 1 MUWAN ). In an inscription on the steps of the Temple of Inscriptions in Palenque two significant events are called from her reign. On August 20, 593 ( 9.8.0.0.0 ) were celebrations held at the end of a calendar period. The second event was a severe military defeat of Palenque against Calakmul. Its rulers " grinding Snake " led his troops well over 200 km and penetrated on April 23, 599 ( 9.8.5.13.8, 6 Lamat 1 Sip ) a to the center of Palenque. The city suffered major destruction here. The inscription reports that the three protective deities of Palenque were thrown down, which can stand as a symbol of the defeat of either or for an actual destruction of the images of the gods of Palenque.

On May 16, 603 ( 9.8.9.15.11, 7 Chuwen 4 Sotz ') there was a further attack on Palenque, Bonampak by this time, as evidenced by an inscription found there. However, there is no evidence that Bonampak ever exercised power over Palenque. It would have therefore been a purely opportunistic attack, which exploited the weakness of Palenque after the heavy defeat by Calakmul.

Yohl Ik'nal died on November 4, 604 ( 9.8.11.6.12, 2 Eb ' 20 Keh ). On January 1, 605 her Ajen Yohl Mat succeeded to the throne.