Casper II.

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Previously illegible name glyph of "Casper II" on an inscription in the Temple of the Cross in Palenque
Redrawing the attribution

"Casper II." (* August 8, 422 ; † probably 487 ), also "Kasper" or "Kaspar" , was an early ruler ( Ajaw ) of the Maya city ​​of Palenque . He ruled from August 9, 435 until his death. The term "Casper" is a modern emergency name , as its actual name cannot yet be read.

Surname

The name of this ruler is only known in a spelling that showed a logogram , which could not be read without additional phonetic complement . Since it resembled a comic-like ghost representation, the researcher Floyd Lounsbury gave the ruler the nickname "Casper" as an allusion to the comic character of the same name.

An initial character that also belongs to the name may read “Ch'aaj”. However, it only represents the first part of the name, the full name is still undeciphered.

Reign

"Casper II." Was born on August 8, 422 ( long count 8.19.6.8.8, calendar round 11 Lamat 6 Xul) and ascended the throne on August 9, 435 (8.19.19.11.17, 2 Kaban 10 Xul) in old age from 13 years.

Celebrations at the end of a Katun period (9.0.0.0.0 = December 10, 435) are reported for his reign . Other well-known events are the inaugurations of two dignitaries. Possible relationships to Yaxchilán were suspected on the basis of an inscription found there, which name a name that is very similar to that of "Casper". However, it is controversial in research whether it is actually him or another person.

A drinking vessel from “Casper's” reign testifies to a high level of craftsmanship at this early stage in Palenque's history. It shows a pictorial representation of the ruler and is the only inscribed object from the early classical period that has so far been found in Palenque.

Like his predecessor K'uk 'Bahlam I , founder of the Palenque dynasty, "Casper" is also associated with a place called Toktahn . This has not yet been localized and could be the place of origin of the ruling family of Palenque.

The date of "Caspers" death is not known, but the accession of his successor Butz'aj Sak Chiik to the throne is recorded on July 28, 487. It can therefore be assumed that "Casper" had one of the longest reigns in the history of Palenque with over 50 years.

literature

Web links

Commons : Casper II.  - Collection of pictures, videos and audio files

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Skidmore: The Rulers of Palenque . P. 14
  2. ↑ a b c Mesoweb Encyclopedia
  3. ^ Peter Matthews: Who's who in the Classic Maya World
  4. ^ Skidmore: The Rulers of Palenque . P. 15
  5. ^ Peter Matthews: Who's who in the Classic Maya World
predecessor Office successor
K'uk 'Bahlam I. Ajaw of Palenque
435-487 		Butz'aj Sak Chiik
personal data
SURNAME Casper II.
ALTERNATIVE NAMES Kasper II .; Kaspar II
BRIEF DESCRIPTION Ruler of the Maya city of Palenque
DATE OF BIRTH August 8, 422
DATE OF DEATH at 487