Finally, we come to it at last. The major PoD that changes the course of Mayan history as we know it, and it'll change more than that as well...
A Change of Dynasties, A Change of Fortunes
The Kingdom of the Snake had seemingly achieved total hegemony over most of the lowlands. Mutul's royal family had been divided into two warring factions, the one not on their side having recently been humbled yet again. They had held sway over kingdoms from Itzna in the north all the way to the Petexbatun region of the south. In the west only Pa'Chan and Yokib' [1] curbed their interests. The great ajaw of Lakamha, Pakal, was almost 80 years old and on his death bed. The king of Xuxpi, Mutul's other great ally, was even older than Pakal. Traders from Kaan covered an even greater distance than their king's network of alliances. From the isthmus far to the south all the way past ancient Tamoan, they brought goods to the towns and cities of Kaan. And even Tamoan itself, a city from which the kings of Mutul had traced their descent and had what was the largest empire any had ever known, had now plunged into ruin and shambles. These were some of the brightest years Kaan had ever known.
But Mutul had no intention of fading into oblivion as their idols far to the west had just done. On 9.12.9.17.16, 5 Cib 14 Zotz (May 3rd, 682) the son of Nuun Ujol Chaak had ascended to the mat and throne of Mutul. He took the headband, the headdress, and the scepter of rule, and from this point on Jasaw Chan K'awiil (Lightning That Clears the Sky) was dead set on changing the fortunes of his beleaguered kingdom. He set out to make himself Mutul's greatest leader since Siyaj Chan K'awiil [2], and thusly began crafting this image for himself by building great things to show his power. He showed more strength and resolve than his predecessors Nuun Ujol Chaak and Wak Chan K'awiil ever did in defying the overlords of the Snake Kingdom. This led people to have more hope than ever, even if some among them believed he'd meet the same fate.
-a modern portrait of Jasaw Chan K'awiil based on an ancient banner stone (very big I warn you)-
In this year many other great changes were occurring. The defeat of Saal in a war against their eternal rivals in Oxhuitza led to Kaan having the daughter of Balaj Chan K'awiil, Lady Wac Chanil, take charge of that kingdom herself. Now they would be prevented from squabbling with Oxhuitza, both of whom were still considered important allies of Kaan. Eventually her son was installed on the throne, but since he was still a child she would continue to rule as a regent and take credit for their numerous victories. In this same year Itzamnaaj Balam would take to power in Pa'Chan, as one of its greatest rulers in its entire history. He too would have great influence over the course of the next coming katun. And many lords died in the years surrounding the ascension of these three great lords. A year after Jasaw came to power, Pakal the Great of Lakamha died at last and was entombed in a magnificent burial under his greatest temple, to be succeeded by his already aging son K'inich Kan Balam the Second. And a few years later Yuknoom Ch'een the Great of Kaan entered the water, succeeded by his son Yuknoom Yich'aak K'ahk'.
-the sarcophagus lid of Pakal, ruler of Lakamha-
Tensions would grow between these powers until it hit a boiling point at the dawn of the 13th Katun of the 9th Baktun. This marked the end of the Sixth Cycle. Kaan had seated the last cycle, and now Mutul seated this one, the Seventh Cycle, gaining the tributary rights, the holy tree, the holy well, and the title ziyan kan, "Born of "Heaven." Etzna seated the last katun, but now this one was seated by Coba, in the northeast. It was an 8 Ahau Katun. The prophecies for 8 Ahau were the most grim and severe of all the prophecies. It was said to be a time of destruction among governors, and end to greed but through much fighting and bloodshed. A time of settling in a new place. The international councils of priests and sages concluded that things were going to get bad, and they name this katun the Wasp Katun. It was up to the rulers to see if they wanted to abide by the word of the councils and the Spokesmen and the Great Sun Priest of the Katun and the Cycle, or if they wanted to put them to the test and fight it out for dominance of the land.
Jasaw Chan K'awiil was the one in particular who could and wanted to initiate the conflict to reclaim what was once his and more. He conferred with the priests, and with the rulers of the cycle seats. In the end, he decided that it wasn't up to any human to avoid what the katun prophecy said. He realized that the prophecy was not what might happen, but what would and what should. If the prophecy spoke of destruction, then he would bring destruction. Jasaw, Ochk'in Kaloomte of Mutul, had decided on war.
-Jasaw Chan K'awiil on his palanquin with an effigy of the war symbol Uaxaclajuun Ub'aah Kaan (18 Images of the Serpent) above him also borne by the palanquin. Some details (like his mask) have been eroded-
He had two goals when he started his war. One was the destruction of the Petexbatun state led by his treacherous uncle who had so dearly cost both his father and his kingdom in pride and strength. Balaj's treachery was viewed with great disdain all across the Maya world, even in the kingdom of Kaan, as family was of the utmost importance. The destruction of the Petexbatun would also cut the circle around Mutul that Kaan had created as a noose. To the north of Mutul was Kaan itself and it's allies of Chatan and Maasal. To the east, Saal and Oxhuitza. To the west, Waka and Hix Witz (the Jaguar Hills), and to the south was the Petexbatun, who despite having a lot of area was not as densely populated and the other cities in the region often were at odds with Balaj. They would be the easiest ones to break and end the noose.
But Kaan and Saal would attack if Jasaw went south, so to solve this problem he sent his younger brother and most important sajal, Siyaj K'awiil, north to fight them. His army would be just as strong as Jasaw's, and even more importantly Jasaw bestowed upon him the unprecedented honor of having the Uaxaclajuun Ub'aah K'awiil [3] go bear him and lead his army. With this great power. he believed victory was inevitable. So he went south with confidence in his brother.
Under the effigy of Mutul's uay (personified/animal spirit), Jasaw Chan K'awiil went south to crush his uncle once and for all. Gathering forces from Ik' [4] on the way, they went through the swamps and marshes guided by the local road weasels (scouts/spies). He realized however that despite having far fewer men, Balaj might be able to harry him out in the thick vegetation of this swampy terrain, so Jasaw sought to get out as close to the open grounds of farmland as soon as possible. He also realized that in his old age Balaj would not be with any warriors in the swamp, instead he would either be at his palace or in an open field as well waiting, not taking the initiative. So Jasaw took his time, and sent out men to persuade and turn his lords of neighboring cities against him, just as Yuknoom of Kaan did to Balaj himself. And soon, with a new host of lords who grew hungry with jealousy, Jasaw's army grew.
It was in Balaj's capital of the Petexbatun kingdom that matters would be settled. The capital was also named Mutul, which greatly offended Jasaw Chan K'awiil and seemed to him a cruel mockery. He resolved to raze the entire city to the ground should he take it. They had built crude walls in haste, taking much stone from their own temples and houses to do so. Since there were no river routes in, he ordered the local lords of the Petexbatun who joined him to begin the assault, reasoning that people who betray their allies so easily should be the ones who first feel their wrath. They attacked the walls with great speed, using ladders to launch themselves over and assail the defenders.
Once in however, they found there was yet another wall surrounding the town center. They trapped themselves in a killing alley. The warriors of Balaj fought furiously and slayed many of their former allies, but while they did this the men of Jasaw and his allies were patiently and calmly ascending the first wall and reusing the ladders to start scaling the second as soon as the defenders ran out of darts from their spearthrowers. Exhausted, the defense was quickly overrun, and as Jasaw promised the entire city was razed to the ground. Most conquerors simply subjugated their takings and installed a client lord to rule them as a new leader, but this second Mutul would never exist again. The palace was taken last, and Balaj Chan K'awiil was taken alive. As punishment for his betrayal so many years ago, he was denied even the honor of being decapitated in Mutul itself. Instead, he was "adorned" for three days for sacrifice here in the ruins of his capital. He experienced much pain for these three days, before Jasaw Chan K'awiil personally avenged his father's honor.
This triumph however was not reflected in the northern campaign as he'd hoped. His younger brother Siyaj K'awiil was experiencing much difficulty getting allies to join him, and even when he got some, he was caught in an open field by the combined armies of Kaan, Saal, Chatan, Waka, and Masaal at a place called Yellow Rabbit. It was the height of the dry season, and on this dry savannah his tired men were prepared to engage in the largest set-piece battle in this area for a long time. Both sides adorned and painted themselves in the designs of their Houses. The nobles and the young fighters blooded into warrior societies and highborn houses also adorned themselves with their finest jewelery. After the necessary preparations everyone congregated around the banners of their own lords, with the Uaxaclajuun Ub'aah K'awiil over Siyaj K'awiil, and the Yajaw Maan (Kaan's palanquin effigy, a supernatural jaguar) over Yuknoom Yich'aak K'ahk', each forming the center of their armies.
Kings and royals, nobles and highborn warriors, peasant militias and holcanes (professional soldiers), faced off across one another under the harsh sun, waiting for the time to attack. A hundred thousand men were on this one field. When Yich'aak gave the signal, the large, deep drums on Kaan's side started giving out a steady roaring beat that could be heard for miles. Mutul did likewise, and the people present could only barely make out the sound of the conch shells and trumpets that started sounding over this. It was around midday when the signal to attack was given, and both sides rushed eachother.
When they were roughly 150 yards about, both sides let their spearthrower darts fly, and many were felled by these. At a closer range the peasants started slinging fast and deadly rocks. But when they clashed up close was when the battle truly started. Both sides attacked from all angles, seeking to find a weakspot or to expose their flank, both sides also watching for their own weaknesses and covering them. Back and forth they went, and the hot-blooded warriors and glory-seekers would start rushing at the enemy banners marking the presence of a noble whose capture would bring great honor to them. This went on for hours, until Mutul seemed to be gaining the upper hand when found a gap to exploit in the lines of the troops from Waka. With glee they went into this contingent, slaughtering many, and even the great Serpent bearing Siyaj was going into this fray. And this was the downfall of Mutul.
When they saw the Uaxaclajuun Ub'aah K'awiil going forth into their ally's flank, the warriors of Kaan saw an opportunity, and rushed it themselves. Everyone available went into this one attack, and the warriors of Mutul mounted their most valiant defense, but a great general of Kaan named Chan Muyal ascended the mounting pile of corpses, and with great strength and skill cut down all his opponents, until he stepped foot onto the Mutul lord's palanquin, and took him captive. When this was done, the warriors who had seen this slung their shields over their backs and fled, causing the others to flee or surrender as well. The Battle of Yellow Rabbit was over at long last.
http://www.authenticmaya.com/images/maya_w9.gif-the captive lord Siyaj K'awiil-
Jasaw Chan K'awiil returned from his Petexbatun conquests to Mutul, praised as a hero. But in his heart he felt it a bittersweet victory. Kaan had not been humbled, and in fact had won a massive victory. It did not matter that Mutul did as well, for his younger brother was taken to Kaan and sacrificed. The noose surrounding Mutul was broken but at a great cost. Yet Jasaw was not defeated, and in fact he still only sought to grow stronger and make Mutul strong too. The Wasp Katun was not over yet.
----------------------
Whew, finally. History has changed. IOTL, Jasaw fought Calakmul (Kaan) himself and won a massive victory, even capturing Yajaw Maan, the Kaan palanquin effigy, but he failed to defeat or destroy Dos Pilas (the Petexbatun kingdom). So while he did get to become the most famous and greatest Tikal ruler, it was still a troubled kingdom and their victory only caused more instability. Dos Pilas was a major destabilizing element, but ITTL they are dead for all time. The Snake Kingdom is still strong though, and their dominions still stable and loyal along with Mutul's. This allows them to look inward and improve themselves as well without the constant threat of destruction.
Also, I'm not sure if Siyaj K'awiil really was Jasaw's brother, all that is known of Siyaj IRL is that he was captured by Saal in the same year that Jasaw beat Calakmul, but a different battle. But he has an equally lofty name and the brother bit makes it more interesting, so I went with it. The picture of him captive is actually from a carving depicting a captive from Kaan or one of it's allies from the big battle of that year. But history has changed.
So yeah, comments please, because I am starved of them!
----------------------
[1] Pa'Chan is Yaxchilan, Yokib is Piedras Negras. Both are very famous, and large. But Yokib was larger than Pa'Chan. They were intense rivals.
[2] This is significant as previous Mutul kings, especially ones installed or supervised by Kaan, tried to distance themsevles from the kings of Mexican descent and instead tied themselves more to Chak Tok Ich'aak or especially Yax Ehb Xook.
[3] This is the 18 Images of the Snake, a potent war symbol borrowed from Teotihuacan (Tamoan or Puh in this TL). When going into battle kings would be borne on massive, elaborate palanquins which had some symbol or effigy of a god that protects their kingdom on it. The 18-headed snake is just the most famous and possibly was regarded as the most potent. Maya warfare had a lot of spiritual elements and the "power" of these symbols was believed to be quite important and influential over the course of battle.
[4] Motul de San Jose. Situated around the lake Peten Itza, the Ik' polity was apparently influential and strong, despite its small size.
A Change of Dynasties, A Change of Fortunes
The Kingdom of the Snake had seemingly achieved total hegemony over most of the lowlands. Mutul's royal family had been divided into two warring factions, the one not on their side having recently been humbled yet again. They had held sway over kingdoms from Itzna in the north all the way to the Petexbatun region of the south. In the west only Pa'Chan and Yokib' [1] curbed their interests. The great ajaw of Lakamha, Pakal, was almost 80 years old and on his death bed. The king of Xuxpi, Mutul's other great ally, was even older than Pakal. Traders from Kaan covered an even greater distance than their king's network of alliances. From the isthmus far to the south all the way past ancient Tamoan, they brought goods to the towns and cities of Kaan. And even Tamoan itself, a city from which the kings of Mutul had traced their descent and had what was the largest empire any had ever known, had now plunged into ruin and shambles. These were some of the brightest years Kaan had ever known.
But Mutul had no intention of fading into oblivion as their idols far to the west had just done. On 9.12.9.17.16, 5 Cib 14 Zotz (May 3rd, 682) the son of Nuun Ujol Chaak had ascended to the mat and throne of Mutul. He took the headband, the headdress, and the scepter of rule, and from this point on Jasaw Chan K'awiil (Lightning That Clears the Sky) was dead set on changing the fortunes of his beleaguered kingdom. He set out to make himself Mutul's greatest leader since Siyaj Chan K'awiil [2], and thusly began crafting this image for himself by building great things to show his power. He showed more strength and resolve than his predecessors Nuun Ujol Chaak and Wak Chan K'awiil ever did in defying the overlords of the Snake Kingdom. This led people to have more hope than ever, even if some among them believed he'd meet the same fate.
-a modern portrait of Jasaw Chan K'awiil based on an ancient banner stone (very big I warn you)-
In this year many other great changes were occurring. The defeat of Saal in a war against their eternal rivals in Oxhuitza led to Kaan having the daughter of Balaj Chan K'awiil, Lady Wac Chanil, take charge of that kingdom herself. Now they would be prevented from squabbling with Oxhuitza, both of whom were still considered important allies of Kaan. Eventually her son was installed on the throne, but since he was still a child she would continue to rule as a regent and take credit for their numerous victories. In this same year Itzamnaaj Balam would take to power in Pa'Chan, as one of its greatest rulers in its entire history. He too would have great influence over the course of the next coming katun. And many lords died in the years surrounding the ascension of these three great lords. A year after Jasaw came to power, Pakal the Great of Lakamha died at last and was entombed in a magnificent burial under his greatest temple, to be succeeded by his already aging son K'inich Kan Balam the Second. And a few years later Yuknoom Ch'een the Great of Kaan entered the water, succeeded by his son Yuknoom Yich'aak K'ahk'.
-the sarcophagus lid of Pakal, ruler of Lakamha-
Tensions would grow between these powers until it hit a boiling point at the dawn of the 13th Katun of the 9th Baktun. This marked the end of the Sixth Cycle. Kaan had seated the last cycle, and now Mutul seated this one, the Seventh Cycle, gaining the tributary rights, the holy tree, the holy well, and the title ziyan kan, "Born of "Heaven." Etzna seated the last katun, but now this one was seated by Coba, in the northeast. It was an 8 Ahau Katun. The prophecies for 8 Ahau were the most grim and severe of all the prophecies. It was said to be a time of destruction among governors, and end to greed but through much fighting and bloodshed. A time of settling in a new place. The international councils of priests and sages concluded that things were going to get bad, and they name this katun the Wasp Katun. It was up to the rulers to see if they wanted to abide by the word of the councils and the Spokesmen and the Great Sun Priest of the Katun and the Cycle, or if they wanted to put them to the test and fight it out for dominance of the land.
Jasaw Chan K'awiil was the one in particular who could and wanted to initiate the conflict to reclaim what was once his and more. He conferred with the priests, and with the rulers of the cycle seats. In the end, he decided that it wasn't up to any human to avoid what the katun prophecy said. He realized that the prophecy was not what might happen, but what would and what should. If the prophecy spoke of destruction, then he would bring destruction. Jasaw, Ochk'in Kaloomte of Mutul, had decided on war.
-Jasaw Chan K'awiil on his palanquin with an effigy of the war symbol Uaxaclajuun Ub'aah Kaan (18 Images of the Serpent) above him also borne by the palanquin. Some details (like his mask) have been eroded-
He had two goals when he started his war. One was the destruction of the Petexbatun state led by his treacherous uncle who had so dearly cost both his father and his kingdom in pride and strength. Balaj's treachery was viewed with great disdain all across the Maya world, even in the kingdom of Kaan, as family was of the utmost importance. The destruction of the Petexbatun would also cut the circle around Mutul that Kaan had created as a noose. To the north of Mutul was Kaan itself and it's allies of Chatan and Maasal. To the east, Saal and Oxhuitza. To the west, Waka and Hix Witz (the Jaguar Hills), and to the south was the Petexbatun, who despite having a lot of area was not as densely populated and the other cities in the region often were at odds with Balaj. They would be the easiest ones to break and end the noose.
But Kaan and Saal would attack if Jasaw went south, so to solve this problem he sent his younger brother and most important sajal, Siyaj K'awiil, north to fight them. His army would be just as strong as Jasaw's, and even more importantly Jasaw bestowed upon him the unprecedented honor of having the Uaxaclajuun Ub'aah K'awiil [3] go bear him and lead his army. With this great power. he believed victory was inevitable. So he went south with confidence in his brother.
Under the effigy of Mutul's uay (personified/animal spirit), Jasaw Chan K'awiil went south to crush his uncle once and for all. Gathering forces from Ik' [4] on the way, they went through the swamps and marshes guided by the local road weasels (scouts/spies). He realized however that despite having far fewer men, Balaj might be able to harry him out in the thick vegetation of this swampy terrain, so Jasaw sought to get out as close to the open grounds of farmland as soon as possible. He also realized that in his old age Balaj would not be with any warriors in the swamp, instead he would either be at his palace or in an open field as well waiting, not taking the initiative. So Jasaw took his time, and sent out men to persuade and turn his lords of neighboring cities against him, just as Yuknoom of Kaan did to Balaj himself. And soon, with a new host of lords who grew hungry with jealousy, Jasaw's army grew.
It was in Balaj's capital of the Petexbatun kingdom that matters would be settled. The capital was also named Mutul, which greatly offended Jasaw Chan K'awiil and seemed to him a cruel mockery. He resolved to raze the entire city to the ground should he take it. They had built crude walls in haste, taking much stone from their own temples and houses to do so. Since there were no river routes in, he ordered the local lords of the Petexbatun who joined him to begin the assault, reasoning that people who betray their allies so easily should be the ones who first feel their wrath. They attacked the walls with great speed, using ladders to launch themselves over and assail the defenders.
Once in however, they found there was yet another wall surrounding the town center. They trapped themselves in a killing alley. The warriors of Balaj fought furiously and slayed many of their former allies, but while they did this the men of Jasaw and his allies were patiently and calmly ascending the first wall and reusing the ladders to start scaling the second as soon as the defenders ran out of darts from their spearthrowers. Exhausted, the defense was quickly overrun, and as Jasaw promised the entire city was razed to the ground. Most conquerors simply subjugated their takings and installed a client lord to rule them as a new leader, but this second Mutul would never exist again. The palace was taken last, and Balaj Chan K'awiil was taken alive. As punishment for his betrayal so many years ago, he was denied even the honor of being decapitated in Mutul itself. Instead, he was "adorned" for three days for sacrifice here in the ruins of his capital. He experienced much pain for these three days, before Jasaw Chan K'awiil personally avenged his father's honor.
This triumph however was not reflected in the northern campaign as he'd hoped. His younger brother Siyaj K'awiil was experiencing much difficulty getting allies to join him, and even when he got some, he was caught in an open field by the combined armies of Kaan, Saal, Chatan, Waka, and Masaal at a place called Yellow Rabbit. It was the height of the dry season, and on this dry savannah his tired men were prepared to engage in the largest set-piece battle in this area for a long time. Both sides adorned and painted themselves in the designs of their Houses. The nobles and the young fighters blooded into warrior societies and highborn houses also adorned themselves with their finest jewelery. After the necessary preparations everyone congregated around the banners of their own lords, with the Uaxaclajuun Ub'aah K'awiil over Siyaj K'awiil, and the Yajaw Maan (Kaan's palanquin effigy, a supernatural jaguar) over Yuknoom Yich'aak K'ahk', each forming the center of their armies.
Kings and royals, nobles and highborn warriors, peasant militias and holcanes (professional soldiers), faced off across one another under the harsh sun, waiting for the time to attack. A hundred thousand men were on this one field. When Yich'aak gave the signal, the large, deep drums on Kaan's side started giving out a steady roaring beat that could be heard for miles. Mutul did likewise, and the people present could only barely make out the sound of the conch shells and trumpets that started sounding over this. It was around midday when the signal to attack was given, and both sides rushed eachother.
When they were roughly 150 yards about, both sides let their spearthrower darts fly, and many were felled by these. At a closer range the peasants started slinging fast and deadly rocks. But when they clashed up close was when the battle truly started. Both sides attacked from all angles, seeking to find a weakspot or to expose their flank, both sides also watching for their own weaknesses and covering them. Back and forth they went, and the hot-blooded warriors and glory-seekers would start rushing at the enemy banners marking the presence of a noble whose capture would bring great honor to them. This went on for hours, until Mutul seemed to be gaining the upper hand when found a gap to exploit in the lines of the troops from Waka. With glee they went into this contingent, slaughtering many, and even the great Serpent bearing Siyaj was going into this fray. And this was the downfall of Mutul.
When they saw the Uaxaclajuun Ub'aah K'awiil going forth into their ally's flank, the warriors of Kaan saw an opportunity, and rushed it themselves. Everyone available went into this one attack, and the warriors of Mutul mounted their most valiant defense, but a great general of Kaan named Chan Muyal ascended the mounting pile of corpses, and with great strength and skill cut down all his opponents, until he stepped foot onto the Mutul lord's palanquin, and took him captive. When this was done, the warriors who had seen this slung their shields over their backs and fled, causing the others to flee or surrender as well. The Battle of Yellow Rabbit was over at long last.
http://www.authenticmaya.com/images/maya_w9.gif-the captive lord Siyaj K'awiil-
Jasaw Chan K'awiil returned from his Petexbatun conquests to Mutul, praised as a hero. But in his heart he felt it a bittersweet victory. Kaan had not been humbled, and in fact had won a massive victory. It did not matter that Mutul did as well, for his younger brother was taken to Kaan and sacrificed. The noose surrounding Mutul was broken but at a great cost. Yet Jasaw was not defeated, and in fact he still only sought to grow stronger and make Mutul strong too. The Wasp Katun was not over yet.
----------------------
Whew, finally. History has changed. IOTL, Jasaw fought Calakmul (Kaan) himself and won a massive victory, even capturing Yajaw Maan, the Kaan palanquin effigy, but he failed to defeat or destroy Dos Pilas (the Petexbatun kingdom). So while he did get to become the most famous and greatest Tikal ruler, it was still a troubled kingdom and their victory only caused more instability. Dos Pilas was a major destabilizing element, but ITTL they are dead for all time. The Snake Kingdom is still strong though, and their dominions still stable and loyal along with Mutul's. This allows them to look inward and improve themselves as well without the constant threat of destruction.
Also, I'm not sure if Siyaj K'awiil really was Jasaw's brother, all that is known of Siyaj IRL is that he was captured by Saal in the same year that Jasaw beat Calakmul, but a different battle. But he has an equally lofty name and the brother bit makes it more interesting, so I went with it. The picture of him captive is actually from a carving depicting a captive from Kaan or one of it's allies from the big battle of that year. But history has changed.
So yeah, comments please, because I am starved of them!
----------------------
[1] Pa'Chan is Yaxchilan, Yokib is Piedras Negras. Both are very famous, and large. But Yokib was larger than Pa'Chan. They were intense rivals.
[2] This is significant as previous Mutul kings, especially ones installed or supervised by Kaan, tried to distance themsevles from the kings of Mexican descent and instead tied themselves more to Chak Tok Ich'aak or especially Yax Ehb Xook.
[3] This is the 18 Images of the Snake, a potent war symbol borrowed from Teotihuacan (Tamoan or Puh in this TL). When going into battle kings would be borne on massive, elaborate palanquins which had some symbol or effigy of a god that protects their kingdom on it. The 18-headed snake is just the most famous and possibly was regarded as the most potent. Maya warfare had a lot of spiritual elements and the "power" of these symbols was believed to be quite important and influential over the course of battle.
[4] Motul de San Jose. Situated around the lake Peten Itza, the Ik' polity was apparently influential and strong, despite its small size.
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