Siyaj Kʼakʼ (alternative spelling:Siyah Kʼakʼ), also known asFire is Born (formerly nicknamed "Smoking Frog"), was a prominent political figure mentioned in the glyphs ofClassic Period (250–800 CE)Maya civilization monuments, principallyTikal (which he conquered in January 378[1]), as well asUaxactun and the city ofCopan. Epigraphers originally identified him by the nickname "Smoking Frog", a description of his name glyph, but later deciphered it asSiyaj Kʼakʼ, meaning "Fire is born". He is believed by some to have been the general of theTeotihuacano rulerSpearthrower Owl.
Originally fromTeotihuacan or very closely allied with that city, Siyaj Kʼakʼ was a warlord in the Maya heartland of thePetén (modernGuatemala) during the fourth century. In 378 and 379, he oversaw the replacing of the kings of important Maya states, such as Tikal, Uaxactun, and Copan with new rulers who claimed descent fromSpearthrower Owl, possibly the ruler of Teotihuacan. As Fire is Born, he caused himself to be portrayed wearing Teotihuacano battle dress. It is during his lifetime that the public architecture of the CentralMexican capital began to be emulated in the Maya region; particularly thetalud-tablero style so characteristic of theMexican highlands, and so atypical ofMaya building styles.
Siyaj Kʼakʼ remained a power in the region until his death early in the fifth century, acting as overlord to such kings asYax Nuun Ayiin I (aka "Curl Nose") of Tikal. The appearance of Siyah Kʼakʼ marks the beginning of a strong cultural influx from theValley of Mexico, although whether this was accomplished via peaceful interaction or military invasion is still being very actively debated.
The history of Siyaj K'ak is referenced in the fiction novel, The Legend of the Jaguar King, by Anand Jay, where the protagonist, Ayush Mahavir, visits the rumoured location of his tomb in the city of Uaxactun, Guatemala.
Vol 367, Issue 6481, pp. 968-973.
DOI: 10.1126/science.367.6481.96
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