During the Classic Period, the Maya civilization achieved its greatest florescence. The Maya developed an agriculturally intensive, city-centred civilization consisting of numerous independent city-states – some subservient to others.Acemoglu and Robinson 2012, pp. 143–149. During the Early Classic, cities throughout the Maya region were influenced by the great metropolis of Teotihuacan in the distant Valley of Mexico.Martin and Grube 2000, p.9. In AD 378, Teotihuacan decisively intervened at Tikal and other nearby cities, deposed its ruler and installed a new Teotihuacan-backed dynasty.Demarest 2004, p. 218. Estrada-Belli 2011, pp. 123–126. This intervention was led by Siyaj Kʼakʼ ("Born of Fire"), who arrived at Tikal on 8.17.1.4.12 (c. 31 January 378). The king of Tikal, Chak Tok Ichʼaak I, died on the same day, suggesting a violent takeover.Sharer and Traxler 2006, p. 322. Martin and Grube 2000, p. 29. A year later, Siyaj Kʼakʼ oversaw the installation of a new king, Yax Nuun Ayiin I.Sharer and Traxler 2006, p. 324. The new king's father was Spearthrower Owl, who possessed a central Mexican name, and may have been the king of either Teotihuacan, or Kaminaljuyu.Martin and Grube 2000, p. 30. Sharer and Traxler 2006, pp. 322, 324. The installation of the new dynasty led to a period of political dominance when Tikal became the most powerful city in the central lowlands.
