About Kan B'alam I
Lived 524 – 583 (aged 58). Kan B'alam I was a Mexican sovereign.
Kan Bahlam I , also known as Chan Bahlum I, (September 18, 524 – February 1, 583) was an ajaw of the Maya city-state of Palenque. He acceded to the throne on April 6, 572 at age 47 and ruled until his death. Kan Bahlam was most likely the younger brother of his predecessor, Ahkal Moʼ Nahb II and probably son of Kʼan Joy Chitam I. He was the first ruler of Palenque to use the title Kʼinich, albeit inconsistently. The title is usually translated as "radiant" but literally means "sun-faced".
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Important facts
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Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Kan B'alam I's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Kan B'alam I?
ajaw of Palenque
When was Kan B'alam I born?
Kan B'alam I was born on 18 September 524.
When did Kan B'alam I die?
Kan B'alam I died on 1 February 583.
What was Kan B'alam I's occupation?
Kan B'alam I was a sovereign.
What nationality was Kan B'alam I?
Kan B'alam I was Mexican.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Kan B'alam I. https://biography.guide/kan-b-alam-i/
MLA: "Kan B'alam I." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/kan-b-alam-i/.
Chicago: "Kan B'alam I." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/kan-b-alam-i/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-23 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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