K'ak' Tiliw Chan Yopaat

K'ak' Tiliw Chan Yopaat rules the Mayan city-state of Quiriguá from 724.

The most significant event of what will be his exceptionally long reign—and of Quiriguá's history—occurs in 738 (9.15.6.14.6 on the Mayan calendar), when his forces defeat the city of Copán.

The ruler of Copán, Uaxaclajuun Ub'aah K'awiil (formerly known as "18 Rabbit") is captured and later beheaded in the Great Plaza at Quiriguá.

Before this, Quiriguá had been a vassal state of Copán, but it will maintain its independence henceforth.

The ceremonial architecture at Quiriguá is quite modest, but the site's importance lies in its wealth of sculpture, including the tallest stone monumental sculpture ever erected in the New World.

For the next thirty-eight years, stonecutters of Quiriguá will create zoomorphs and stelae celebrating their legendary king.

Quiriguá becomes a fully autonomous city that controls the main trade route from the Caribbean to the Maya world.

Quiriga’s defeat of Copán and the sacrificial execution of its ruler will be followed by a nearly twenty-year hiatus in inscriptions at Copán, as well as the disappearance of any further mention of Uaxaclajuun Ub'aah K'awiil.

During this time, Copán may have been subject to Quiriguá in a reversal of fortunes.