K'ak' Tiliw Chan Yopaat

Kʼakʼ Tiliw Chan Yopaat (previously known variously as Cauac Sky, Kawak Sky, Butsʼ Tiliw and Butzʼ Tiʼliw), was the leader of the ancient Maya city-state of Quiriguá.

Reign Kʼakʼ Tiliw Chan Yopaat ruled the city from 724 to 785 AD. The most significant event of his reign—and of Quiriguá's history—occurred in AD 738 (9.15.6.14.6 on the Mayan calendar), when his forces defeated the city of Copán. The ruler of Copán, Uaxaclajuun Ubʼaah Kʼawiil (formerly known as "18 Rabbit") was captured and later beheaded. It began when, in 734, on Altar M at Quirigua, Kʼak Tiliw Chan Yopaat gives himself the title kʼuhul ajaw, thus declaring Quirigua's independence from Copan. To formally declare his sovereignty, he received the K'awiil sceptre to signify his accession.

Before Kʼakʼ Tiliw Chan Yopaat's bold move, Quiriguá had been a vassal of Copán. The defeat of Copán led to its decline but heralded a golden age for its former dependent. For the next 38 years, stonecutters of Quiriguá created zoomorphs and stele celebrating their legendary king. alt=A tall, narrow monument covered by a thatched roof. Two further stelae are visible in the background, also covered by thatched roofs, against a backdrop of trees. Stela E at Quiriguá, possibly the largest freestanding stone monument in the Americas. His monuments are significant as their discovery by Frederick Catherwood and John Lloyd Stephens in 1840 contributed to dispelling the European misconception that pre-columbian Indigenous populations were less advanced, showcasing their ability to create monumental and highly sophisticated civilizations. His monumental achievements include the towering Stele E, carved from a single stone. It is known as the tallest stele in the Maya world, stretching 35 feet (10.7 metres high).

Succession Two other rulers are known to have reigned at Quiriguá in ensuing years—Sky Xul and Jade Sky—each for about ten years.