The most important Maya god was Itzamna. Itzamna was the god of fire who created the Earth. He was ruler of heaven as well as day and night. The Maya believed that he gave them the calendar and writing. It is thought that his name means "lizard house".

One of the most famous Maya rulers was K'inich Janaab Pakal, whom we know today as 'Pakal the Great'. He was king of Palenque for 68 years, longer than any other ruler in the Ancient Maya world!

He was a prominent ruler of the Maya civilisation. He was responsible for bringing the city of Tikal, or Yax Mutal, back to life before a prolonged dominance of Calakmul. Jasaw Chan K’awiil was interested in art and architecture and was responsible for the building of such renowned temples as the Temple of the Great Jaguar.

He was a Spanish conquistador, or conqueror, best remembered for conquering the Aztec empire in 1521 and claiming Mexico for Spain.