was eventually overrun by Calakmul after years of heavy combat. B'alaj Chan K'awiil initially fled into exile, but then opted to switch sides in 648. Second war, 648–695 The second war lasted from 648 to 695. One of the main battle grounds of this conflict was Dos Pilas, now a separatist kingdom led by B'alaj Chan K'awiil, under Calakmul's dominance. Supported by his new allies, B'alaj Chan K'awiil consequently began a destructive "proxy war" against his old mother city. In 672, Tikal retook Dos Pilas, but B'alaj Chan K'awiil escaped to Aguateca. He rallied his followers and allies, and launched a counter-offensive, defeating the army of Tikal in a major battle in 679. After his victory, B'alaj Chan K'awiil captured and sacrificed Tikal's ruler (his own brother). From then until 695, three years after B'alaj's death, Calakmul factually dominated Tikal. In 695, under the leadership of Jasaw Chan K'awiil I, Tikal won a major battle with Calakmul and turned the tables, effectively ending the Second Tikal–Calakmul War. Second interval With Tikal having liberated itself, it once more attacked Dos Pilas and challenged Calakmul's power. In 702, Tikal suffered another defeat by Dos Pilas. Third war, 720–744 K'ak' Tiliw Chan Yopaat, Ajaw of Quiriguá was one of the key people during the third war. Quiriguá was a province of Copán, then in 734 K'ak' Tiliw Chan Yopaat led a revolution against Uaxaclajuun Ub'aah K'awiil, Ajaw of Copán. Wamaw K'awiil, kaloomte (high king, a position higher than ajaw) of Calakmul traveled to Quiriguá and formed an alliance with K'ak' Tiliw Chan Yopaat. Uaxaclajuun Ub'aah K'awiil was executed in 738, and Quiriguá became independent. By 744 El Peru and Naranjo had been reconquered by Tikal, and Calakmul had been defeated. Aftermath As Tikal and Calakmul fought each other, Dos Pilas experienced a period of expansion, conquering several other small cities states. However, Dos Pilas' kingdom collapsed around 761, though its dynasty survived until the early 800s in Aguateca. Having been deprived of its military reputation Calakmul lost its northern provinces and collapsed, the last recorded date in the city was 899, possibly 909. Similarly Tikal, and most of the Maya cities were destroyed in the Maya collapse. The war may have contributed to the collapse, along with overpopulation, disease, famine, and others. References Works cited Tikal History of the Yucatán Peninsula Mesoamerican warfare 6th century in the Maya civilization 7th century in the