Symbols of Power
Many Maya kings created some form of monument to prove their power; some still stand, and some lie in ruin.
Maya kings and queens felt obliged to legitimize their claim to power. One of the ways to do this was to build a temple or pyramid. Tikal Temple I is a notable example. This temple was built during the reign of Yik'in Chan K'awiil. Another king named K'inich Janaab' Pakal would later carry out this same show of power when building the Temple of Inscriptions at Palenque.
Read more about this topic: Maya Rulers
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