Itzamnaaj Bahlam III is best known for the many buildings and stelae he commissioned during his rule, many of which are still found at Yaxchilan today.

Little is known of Itzamnaaj Bʼalam's early life except that when he was eleven years old one of his siblings participated in a war that involved Pacal, the famous king of Palenque.

Shortly before he became king, Itzamnaaj Bahlam defeated Ah Ahaual (a Mayan noble) in war and took him captive to Yaxchilan.

He chose Yaxun Bʼalam to be his successor despite the fact that Lady Xoc, his other wife, had a strategically important bloodline.

It is believed by Linda Schele and David Freidel that Itzamnaaj Bʼalam had Temple 23 in Yaxchilan constructed to honor Lady Xoc while also gaining public support for his son to become king.