The K'iche' kingdom of Q'umarkaj is a state in the highlands of modern-day Guatemala that is founded by the K'iche' (Quiché) Maya in the thirteenth century, and which expands through the fifteenth century until it is conquered by Spanish and Nahua forces led by Pedro de Alvarado in 1524.The K'iche' kingdom reaches its height under the king K'iq'ab who rules from the fortified town of Q'umarkaj (also called by its Nahuatl name Utatlán) near the modern town of Santa Cruz del Quiché.
During his rule the K'iche' rule large areas of highland Guatemala extending into Mexico, and they subdue other Maya peoples such as the Tz'utujil, Kaqchikel and Mam, as well as the Nahuan Pipil people.
