Xiu Revolt and Fall of Mayapan
1441 CE
Insurrection led by Ah Xupan Xiu destroys Mayapan capital and fragments Yucatan into 16 independent provinces.
Historical Context
Following Chichen Itza's decline, the aristocratic Cocom family seized absolute power at Mayapan, imposing centralized tyranny and heavy tribute upon rival noble houses.
The Event
In 1441 CE, chief Ah Xupan Xiu led a major noble uprising against the Cocom dynasty. Mayapan was besieged, sacked, and burned, with most Cocom princes executed.
Key Figures
Ah Xupan Xiu (Revolt leader), Hunac Ceel (Former conqueror of Chichen Itza), the Cocom and Xiu dynasties.
Aftermath
The destruction of Mayapan destroyed all central authority in Yucatan. The peninsula fragmented into 16 independent rival provinces (*Cuchcabalob*), leaving them vulnerable to invasion.
Legacy & Culture
This political fragmentation explains the fierce yet disjointed Maya resistance against Spanish conquistadors during the following century.
Historiography
Bishop Diego de Landa's 1566 *Relación de las cosas de Yucatán* provides detailed accounts of the Xiu revolt and the ruling families of Yucatan.
Sources and References
Chilam Balam de Mani
Semantic cluster
Maya civilization clusterPreclassic to Postclassic: Tikal, Calakmul, Palenque, calendar and collapses.
Cluster internal links
- Previous (cluster)
Rise of Chichen Itza and the League of Mayapan
987
- Next (cluster)
Fall of Nojpeten (End of the Last Independent Maya Kingdom)
1697
- Same cluster
Final Tikal Stela and the Classic Collapse
869
- Same cluster
Capture and Execution of King 18-Rabbit of Copan
738
- Same cluster
Jasaw Chan K'awiil I's Victory over Calakmul
695
- Same cluster
Accession of Yuknoom Ch'een II (Yuknoom the Great)
636
- Semantic bridge
Invention of the Printing Press
1454
- Semantic bridge
The Black Death
1347
- Semantic bridge
Tambora Eruption
1815