Famous Characters in the Mayan Culture – The Mayan Civilization
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Classic Period
Zamná (Year 525 AD), a priest who led the Chanes (Itzáes) in their migration to the western part of the Yucatán Peninsula, in the foundation of Chichén Itzá. He died in Izamal.
Late Classic Period
- Jasaw Chan K’awiil I (682-734 AD), ruler of Tikal, who restored its status as a superpower. Buried in the Temple of the Great Jaguar or Temple I, also known as Ah Cacao.
- K’inich Janaab’ Pakal (603-683 AD), ruler of the Maya state of B’akaal, with its capital in Palenque.
Late Postclassic Period
Ah Mekat Tutul Xiu, chief of the Tutul Xiu. Co-founder, along with the Itzáes, of the Mayapán League or Confederation. Hunac Ceel, chief of the Cocomes.
Discovery and Conquest
- Nachán Can, halach uinik of Chactemal, father of Zazil Há who was given in marriage to Gonzalo Guerrero.
- Zazil Há, daughter of the halach uinik of Chactemal, who was married to the Spanish Gonzalo Guerrero, thus initiating mestizaje (mixing of races) on the continent.
- Tecún Umán (1500-1524), prince of the Quiché-Maya in Guatemala.
- Kaibil Balam, king of the Mam-Maya in Guatemala.
- Tabscoob, halach uinik of Potonchán, fought against Hernán Cortés in the Battle of Centla; after losing the battle, he offered Cortés the famous tribute of Malinali Nachi Cocom (1541), halach uinik of Sotuta. He fought against Francisco de Montejo and León «el Mozo» during the conquest of Yucatán.
- Prince Tutul Xiu, halach uinik of Maní. Last of the rulers of the Tutul Xiu. He joined Francisco de Montejo and León «el Mozo».
- Nah Pot Canché, son of the batab of Calkiní. He wrote the Codex of Calkiní.
The Colonial Period
- Gaspar Antonio Xiú (1,531-1,610), nieto de Tutul Xiú. Autor de Relación de las costumbres de los indios de Yucatán.
- Ah Nakuk Pech, batab maya. Autor de la Crónica de Chac-Xulub-Chen, en la que expresa la visión de los vencidos.
- Jacinto Canek (1,730-1,761), dirigente de la rebelión maya de Cisteil en 1,761.
- Atanasio Tzul, rey de Totonicapan y prócer de la independencia de Guatemala y el resto de Centroamérica.
- Manuel Tot, independentista centroamericano, prócer de la conjura de Belem
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