Calakmul

The classic age of the Mayan empire was considered the golden age of the Mayans. The Mayans were a dominant culture in mesoamerica and they reached their peak of power and influence around sixth century A.D. They got most of their power during that time and the population reached to about 2 million people. During this time they also built all of the temples that we see today. One of their greatest cities is Tikal. Tikal had a population of 90,000 people and had at least 33 rulers. Another one of their greatest cities was Calakmul. It had a population of 50,000 people and had 18 known rulers. These two cities had a war and it was one of the 7 wars that we know of today.

The first war they had was during 537-572 A.D. In 537, Ajaws of Bonampak, Lakamtuun, and Cakalmul were captured by Yaxchilan. While Bonampak and Lakamtuun stayed peaceful, Cakalmul revolted and conquered Yaxchilan. Cakalmul became the kingdom in the Mayan culture. By 546, Calakmul conquered Naranjo and appointed Aj Wosal as the leader. Later on, Sky Witness became the new leader. He played a major role in politics in the Mayan culture. He forged an alliance with Caracol, a former ally of Tikal. In the year 572, Sky Witness dies and Tikal is defeated.
The second Tikal- Calakmul War happened in 650-695 A.D.
A vassal state called Dos Pilas and its ruler B’alaj Chan K’awiil started a civil war with Tikal and Dos Pilas eventually sided with Calakmul. B’alaj claimed the Royal Ajaw title and the emblem of Mutal. He was able to win his civil war against Tikal with help from Calakmul. He then swore obedience to Nuun Ujol Chaak and Calakmul. Then from then to 695, Calakmul occupied Tikal and under the leadership of Jasaw Chan K’awiil, Tikal won a major battle against Calakmul. This turned the tables of the Second war, making Tikal the
victor.

The third Tikal- Calakmul War happened in 720- 744 A.D. During this war, K’ak’ Tiliw Chan Yopaat was a key element in the third war. He lead a revolution in Quirigua, a province in Copan, against Uaxaclajuun Ub’aah K’awiil, Ajaw of Copan. Wamaw K’awiil, high king of Calakmul, traveled to Quirigua and formed an alliance with K’ak’. In 738, Uaxaclajuun was executed and Quirigua became independent. By 744, Tikal reconquered El Peru and Naranjo and Calakmul was defeated.

In the aftermath of all three wars, Calakmul was deprived of all military reputation, lost all of their northern provinces, and collapsed. The last recorded date in the city was 899, possibly 909. Tikal and most of the Mayan cities were destroyed in the Mayan collapse. We don't really know how these cities collapsed. It may have been by famine, disease, or overpopulation. The final result of all the wars is that Tikal became the victor and Calakmul lost. In the end, they all collapsed and we are in great favor for having many cities to see today and admire how they made everything they were able to do.