Altar Q, Copan, Honduras

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The inscription atop Altar Q vividly recounts the story of Yax K'uk Mo', detailing his journey to Copan. It commences with a reference to an early 400s day, describing how he accepted symbols of authority at a location strongly linked to Teotihuacan or Central Mexico. Three days later, it states that he departed from this very spot. The inscription then takes an extraordinary turn, claiming that K'uk Mo' rested his legs 153 days after leaving Central Mexico. Furthermore, it declares him the West Lord, a title consistently attributed to him throughout Copan's historical inscriptions. Ultimately, the passage concludes with the last two glyphs reading "Hu'li Uxwitikî," meaning he arrived at Copan. There is no doubt in my mind that K'Inich Yax K'uk Mo' was crowned king far away in Central Mexico and brought those symbols of authority back to Copan to establish the dynasty.