Stela I of Quirigua

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Dedicated in 800 AD, Stela I stands out as an incredibly ornate and remarkably different monument from its peers in almost every respect. It's surprising that it was created by one of the later rulers and, in fact, the last ruler, Jade Sky, who commissioned this monolith. On this monument, Jade Sky is depicted sitting on a raised throne surrounded by the Sky Band. The imagery of corn and abundance surrounds the periphery of the monument, giving the impression that this was erected in the hope of a return to happy days of abundance rather than celebrating it. It's now known that widespread drought caused several cultures to collapse in the 8th and 9th centuries - including the Maya. Quirigua was abandoned shortly after this monument was erected. According to a translation, Stela I describes a visit in 736 AD from the ruler of Calakmul, Wamaw K'awiil, which has led to a proposal that Calakmul may have funded Quiriguá's expansion and eventual fight for independence against their master, Copán.