Political Implications
It is unlikely that a polity only one tenth the size of Copan could overthrow centuries of regional hegemony by acting alone. Stela I at Quirigua states that in 736, two years before Uaxaclajuun Ub’aah Kawiil’s defeat and two years after the inscription declaring Quirigua’s indepence, K’ak’ Tiliw Chan Yopaat hosted a delegation from the polity of Calakmul, including its ruler Wamaw K’awiil. This suggests that Calakmul played a role in Copan’s defeat, possibly even providing the armed forces necessary to overpower a polity the size of Copan. Calakmul’s possible motives include control of important trade routes, but more importantly striking a blow against it’s rival polity Tikal, Copan’s greatest ally.
Read more about this topic: Uaxaclajuun Ub'aah K'awiil, Death and Aftermath
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