Emphasis Preaching Journal

The Yaxchilan lintels, murals made by the Mayas in A.D. 725, depict the gruesome scene of a bloodletting rite that took place on October 28, 709. The Mayas believed that for victory in battle, the ruler and his wife must shed blood. On lintel No. 24 the ruler, Shield Jaguar, stands with a torch in his hands; while his wife, Lady Xoc — richly dressed — kneels at his feet, pulling a thorned rope through her tongue.