Maya city Yax Mutal

Templo I visto desde el Templo II. Gran Plaza de Tikal.
Tikal's name was given in relation to Ti Ak'al (near the hole with water), referring to an ancient water reservoir site.

Yax Mutal, the ruins of a large city

Tikal came to house approximately 60,000 residents with a system of dynastic rule that details the succession of 33 rulers.

Its history is full of struggles for power features established and destabilized the dynastic line. Had close relationship with the city of Dos Pilas south of Petén in the area of Petexbatún. Tikal presented a Mayan city rivalry with North: Calakmul.

Calakmul is a city comparable to Tikal located a few kilometers from the border edge to what is now Mexico. Calakmul was was creating political ties with Tikal's allies to weaken their power in the region and then take the city.

Tikal dynastic line was broken by Calakmul. Historical remains indicate that Ah Cacau (Great Jaguar Paw Jaguar), who reinstated the power of Tikal, Calakmul defeating the invaders, was a descendant of the power line that Calakmul was interrupted.

Motul - Motul de San José

The power of Tikal faded but the historical evidence found in Motul suggests that it is somehow an extension or evolution of Tikal in shifts. Motul is believed to be a variation of the name of Mutal.
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