Politics Axis

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Capture and Execution of King 18-Rabbit of Copan

738 CE

Historical illustration: Capture and Execution of King 18-Rabbit of Copan
Historical illustration: Capture and Execution of King 18-Rabbit of Copan

King K'ak' Tiliw Chan Yopaat of Quirigua captures and beheads his overlord Uaxaclajuun Ub'aah K'awiil (18-Rabbit) of Copan.

Historical Context

The city of Copan (Honduras), led by the glorious king Uaxaclajuun Ub'aah K'awiil ('18-Rabbit'), patronized neighboring Quirigua, a vassal controlling the Motagua River trade route.

The Event

On May 3, 738 CE (9.15.6.14.6), vassal king K'ak' Tiliw Chan Yopaat of Quirigua ambushed his overlord 18-Rabbit, capturing and beheading him in Quirigua's public plaza.

Key Figures

Uaxaclajuun Ub'aah K'awiil (18-Rabbit, King of Copan), K'ak' Tiliw Chan Yopaat (Cauac Sky, Rebel King of Quirigua).

Aftermath

Quirigua won independence and grew wealthy controlling the jade and obsidian trade monopoly. Copan suffered a staggering political shock halting monument construction.

Legacy & Culture

To commemorate his triumph, K'ak' Tiliw erected at Quirigua the tallest monolithic stone stelae in the New World (Stela E standing over 10 meters tall).

Historiography

Comparative decipherment of Quirigua stelae and Copan's Hieroglyphic Stairway provides a dramatic dual perspective on this regicide that shook the southeastern Maya realm.

Sources and References

ARCHEOLOGY

Stèles J et F de Quiriguá & Escalier des Hiéroglyphes de Copán

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LITERATURE

William L. Fash, Scribes, Warriors and Kings: The City of Copan

Reliability index : ★★★★★

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Maya civilization cluster

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