Chak Tok Ich'aak I

Chak Tok Ichʼaak I also known as Great Paw, Great Jaguar Paw, and Toh Chak Ichʼak (died 14 January 378) was an ajaw of the Maya city of Tikal. He took the throne on 7 August 360 and reigned until his death in 378, apparently at the hands of invaders from central Mexico.

Born to Kʼinich Muwaan Jol and Lady Bahlam Way, Chak Tok Ichʼaak I is one of Tikal's best known kings. His name is recorded on a number of ceramic pieces and stelae. Stela 39, which was discovered by archaeologists in the Mundo Perdido complex, was produced to commemorate the Kʼatun ending in 376. It depicts the king standing upon a bound captive while holding an ax decorated with jaguar markings that was probably used as either a weapon or an instrument of sacrifice.

His name also appears on the fragmentary Stela 26 from Tikal's North Acropolis, which he may have dedicated. Both stelae were deliberately smashed soon after being dedicated. Unusually, it was never built over by later rulers, and was kept in repair for centuries as an apparently revered monument.

Chak Tok Ic'haak's history is referenced in the fiction novel, The Legend of the Jaguar King by Anand Jay, where the protagonist, Ayush Mahavir, travels into the Mayan Underworld in search of an item belonging to the legendary Mayan King.

Death On January 14, 378, Chak Tok Ichʼaak I could have been killed by an army invading from Teotihuacan.