Politics Axis

Fall of Nojpeten (End of the Last Independent Maya Kingdom)

1697 CE

Governor Martín de Ursúa captures the Itza Maya capital on Lake Peten Itza, ending Maya independence.

Historical Context

While Yucatan and Guatemala fell to Spanish rule in the 16th century, the Itza Maya maintained a completely independent kingdom deep in the Peten jungle.

The Event

On March 13, 1697, Spanish Governor Martín de Ursúa launched a amphibious galley assault across Lake Peten Itza, capturing the island capital Nojpeten (Tayasal). King Kan Ek' was captured.

Key Figures

Kan Ek' (Last sovereign Ajaw of the Itza Maya), Martín de Ursúa y Arismendi (Captain General of Yucatan).

Aftermath

The fall of Nojpeten marked the end of the last independent Maya political entity and the final subjugation of unoccupied Central American lands to the Spanish Crown.

Legacy & Culture

Nojpeten became the modern town of Flores, Guatemala. The Maya people survived culturally, numbering over 6 million people speaking Maya languages today.

Historiography

Original documents at the General Archive of the Indies in Seville and Villagutierre Soto-Mayor's 1701 chronicle reconstruct the final assault on Nojpeten step by step.

Sources and References

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Sibling clusters

Inventions & technology cluster Founding myths cluster Disasters & climate cluster