| Keyword |
Description |
| Network |
A group of cities or people that are all connected and support each other |
| Political |
Related to power, leadership, and how cities or countries are governed |
| Dinasty |
A family of rulers where power passes from parents to children over many years |
In the Late Classic period, many Maya cities fought to control trade, riches, and power. For a long time, Tikal in today’s Guatemala was the strongest city, helped by warriors from distant Teotihuacan. But in 562 A.D., Tikal was defeated when the city of Caracol joined a new power: the Kanu’l dynasty, also called the Snake Kings, who ruled from Dzibanché in Quintana Roo. These new rulers used a snake-head symbol and started to grow their power, building alliances with other cities and taking control of important rivers like the Usumacinta and the Belize River.
Around 635 A.D., the Kanu’l moved their capital to Calakmul, a huge city in present-day Campeche with a great location for controlling trade and communication. Under their ruler Yuhkno’m Ch’e’n II, Calakmul entered a golden age: they built tall pyramids, created a network of friendly cities, and kept an eye on Tikal, which had become weaker. Calakmul controlled many other cities using smart strategies, such as political marriages and taking young princes to live and learn at their court. In this way, the Snake Kings tried to make sure other rulers stayed loyal to them and respected their power.
However, this power did not last forever. After Yuhkno’m Ch’e’n II died, Tikal reorganized under a new ruler, Jasaw Chan K’awiil, and became strong again. In 695 A.D., the armies of Tikal and Calakmul fought, and Tikal won a major victory, capturing one of Calakmul’s sacred symbols and breaking its system of control. The last known Kanu’l ruler, Yuhkno’m Took’ K’awiil, tried to pretend everything was normal by building new monuments, but he was later defeated and captured. By the end of the 8th century, Calakmul had lost most of its people, buildings, and glory, and the great Snake Kingdom disappeared from history.
Bridging words
These words sound similar in English and Spanish: Why not practice them now?
| English |
Spanish |
| Alliance |
Alianza |
| City |
Ciudad |
| System of control |
Sistema de control |
Time to discuss
- Why do you think so many Maya cities wanted to control trade routes?
- Do you think political marriages are a good way to keep peace between cities?
- Is it better for a leader to use force or smart plans to stay in power?
Let's write
Answer the following questions in one paragraph:
- Imagine you live in Tikal when Calakmul is very powerful. How would you feel about this rival city?
- Describe what daily life might be like for a prince sent to Calakmul to learn at the royal court.
