Maya building projects and expansion reach a peak in this era, as revealed by archaeological evidence, with constant enlargement and building, the majority of the burden of construction being placed on peasant workers in the cities.

The Maya city-state of Palenque had been sacked in 711 by the realm of Toniná, and the old king K'inich K'an Joy Chitam II had been taken prisoner.

It is not known what the final destination of the king was, and it is presumed that he was executed in Toniná.

For the past ten years there has been no king in Palenque until K'inich Ahkal Mo' Naab III finally takes the throne on January 3, 722.

Although the new king belonga to the royalty, there is no certainty that he is a direct descendant of K'inich K'an Joy Chitam II.

It is believed, therefore, that this coronation is a break in the dynastic line; and probably K'inich Ahkal Nab' has arrived to power after years of maneuvering and forging political alliances.