The analysis of the ancient monument continues among Mayan ruins in Kobe revealed the identity of one of the previously unknown rulers of the huge city. According to Mexican archaeologists National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), the king repeatedly mentioned in the historical accounts described on the City's Founding Rock, was not a king at all. It was a queen named X Chak Chin.
INAH researchers discovered a 111 square foot limestone monument in Quintana Roo state on the Yucatan Peninsula last year. Since then, they have spent a lot of time documenting and interpreting the huge building's 123 hieroglyphs. Mayan artwork dates back to at least the 6th century AD, an era of political and economic rise for the city.
Initial research revealed that the “Foundation Rock” contained information about Koba's classical period, such as timelines showing when certain dynasties ruled and important construction projects in the city. A year of additional work yielded even more results, including a more precise date for the founding of the monumental urban district of Nohoch Mul.
“The date can be identified as 9.6.15.6.9 (corresponding to 12 May 569 AD)” – INAH says in his statement.
In particular, archaeologists can link it to a structure called Kevitznal, or “place of the deer mountain.”
It is important to note that the glyphs also contain detailed information about the ruler who led the enterprise. Deciphering these epigraphs has allowed researchers to match passages on Foundation Rock with nearby monuments that mention Queen X Chak Chin.
“In such monuments the naming options are slightly different, as in Stela 30, where she is referred to as Ix Chak Chin Yopaat, whereas in the washing text she is associated with the term Qawiil,” INAH explained. “However, the proximity of the dates indicates that this is the same sovereign.”
K'awiil is the name of a Mayan deity associated with divine lightning and royalty. The union of the god with Ix Chac Chin would have given him absolute legitimacy and military power equal to the calumta, the highest political position of the Maya.
“Foundation Rock” also describes the coronation of Ix Chak Chin, as well as her relationship with Koba's protector deities such as Bolon Tsakab Ajaw, “Lord of Countless Generations.” During her reign, the queen oversaw other municipal projects such as the ball court, as well as a major ceremonial calendar event in 573 AD.
Ix Chac Chin is not the only female Mayan ruler known to historians. At least three more women ruled Kobaincluding one who ruled for four decades. Overall, this indicates that Maya gender dynamics were likely much more egalitarian than originally thought.
