Rescuing the Origins of Dos Pilas Dynasty:
A Salvage of Hieroglyphic Stairway #2, Structure L5-49

Nature of the Information

Maya inscriptions on the whole deal with dynastic history and the exploits of rulers including wars, alliances, ceremonies and familial events (Houston, 1993; Coe, 1992; Harrison, 1995; Martin and Grube, 2000; Fahsen and Jackson, 2001). In their seminal book on Maya history "A Forest of Kings" (1990), Linda Schele and David Freidel recount the many historical figures involved in dynastic events throughout the region and over at least fifteen hundred years. This long history competes with the history of cultures of ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt and the later splendor of Greece and Rome. And like these empires and states ruled by kings and warriors the Maya polities were subject to human actions and frailties.

Dos Pilas in particular is a prime example of a militaristic state whose history lasts no more than 130 years. Where warrior kings tried by several means to maintain their rule in practically continuous combats with their neighbors and who were forced to give them their daughters as wives to cement alliances in which they played the subservient part. Martin and Grube (2001) point to an "over reach" after a century of expansion and the archaeological evidence points out to a spectacular and violent downfall of the site and the last ruler (Demarest, 1993; 1997; Houston, 1987b; 1993; Houston et al., 1992; Inomata, 1997; Martin and Grube, 1995).

The hieroglyphic Stairways and the other monuments of Dos Pilas are a vivid testimony of this violent history but the inscription in the Stairway of neighboring Tamarindito serves to remind the reader that strife also has its end since after that date (761) Dos Pilas is not heard of any more.

The Dos Pilas Stairways numbered 2 and 4 refer to the life and the events performed by Ruler 1, whose nominal is ba-la-ja CHAN K’AWIIL better known as BALAJ CHAN K’AWIIL. Ruler 2 is commemorated in Stairway 1 and Ruler 4 in Stairway 3 (Houston, 1993; Martin and Grube, 2000). The reign of the so called Ruler 2 and the short reign of about six years of another apparent previous ruler pose a difficult question on royal succession as it is thought that they were brothers. However ITZAMNAAJ B’ALAM known as the son of Ruler 1 appears in Stairway 2, West at Step 1 in a very prominent position as if he were the heir. This reign lasted only six years and he could have died an early death or been removed from office by his brothers.

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