Kan Bahlam I

For other uses, see Kan Balam (disambiguation).

Kan Bahlam I^{[N 1]} (Mayan pronunciation: [kan ɓahlam]), 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.^{[N 2][1]} Kan Bahlam was most likely the younger brother of his predecessor, Ahkal Moʼ Nahb II and probably son of Kʼan Joy Chitam I.^[2] 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".^[1]

Kan Bahlam I
Ajaw
King of Palenque
Reign	6 April 572 – 1 February 583
Predecessor	Ahkal Moʼ Nahb II
Successor	Lady Yohl Ikʼnal
Born	18 September 524 Palenque
Died	1 February 583(583-02-01) (aged 58) Palenque
Issue	Lady Yohl Ikʼnal (possibly)
Father	Kʼan Joy Chitam I
Religion	Maya religion
Signature

Notes

1. The ruler's name, when transcribed is (K'INICH) KAN[BAHLAM]-ma, translated "Radiant Snake Jaguar".
2. These are the dates indicated on the Maya inscriptions in Mesoamerican Long Count calendar, Born: 9.4.10.1.5 11 Chikchan 13 Ch'en, Acceded: 9.6.18.5.12 10 Eb 0 Wo and Died: 9.7.9.5.5 11 Chikchan 3 K'ayab.