Lady of Tikal

Lady of Tikal
Queen of Tikal with co-ruler Kaloomte' Bahlam
Lady of Tikal's glyph
Reign	April 19, 511-c.527
Predecessor	Chak Tok Ich'aak II
Successor	Bird Claw
Born	September 1, 504
Died	after c.527
Religion	Maya religion

Lady of Tikal^{[N 1]} also known as Woman of Tikal, (September 1, 504-after c.527) was an Queen of the Maya city of Tikal. She took the throne on April 19, 511 and reigning until c.527.^{[N 2][1]}

Biography

She is referred to as having assumed a leadership role at the age of six (on April 19, 511) but did not rule on her own. Instead, she co-ruled with an individual named Kaloomte' Bahlam. She was possibly daughter of Chak Tok Ich'aak II. Lady of Tikal was depicted on Stela 23, which was broken and later re-erected incomplete. It is presumed that Stela 6 and Stela 12 also mention Lady of Tikal, but she is referred to by a different name.^[1] Her relationship to Bird Claw, who may have been her successor (and the 20th ruler of Tikal), is unknown due to problems deciphering the text of Stela 8, but it is important to note that Bird Claw does not carry the Tikal emblem.^[2]

The name "Lady of Tikal" can also refer to Lady Six Sky of Dos Pilas/Naranjo, more commonly known as "Woman of Tikal". The first Lady of Tikal was born in September 504 while Lady Six Sky acceded to the throne at Naranjo in 682.^[3]

Notes

1. The ruler's name, when transcribed is IX-KALO:M[TE'] IX-?-K'IN?, Martin & Grube 2008, p.38.
2. These are the dates indicated on the Maya inscriptions in Mesoamerican Long Count calendar, Birth: 9.3.9.13.3 8 Ak'bal 11 Mol and Accession: 9.3.16.8.4 11 K'an 17 Pop, Martin & Grube 2008, p.38.

Footnotes

1. Martin & Grube 2008, p.38.
2. Martin & Grube 2008, p.39.
3. Martin & Grube 2008, p.74.

References

Martin, Simon; Nikolai Grube (2008). Chronicle of the Maya Kings and Queens: Deciphering the Dynasties of the Ancient Maya (2nd ed.). London and New York: Thames & Hudson. ISBN 9780500287262. OCLC 191753193.