Final answer:
Tikal became important as one of the powerful city-states in the Maya civilization during the Classic period. It controlled trading routes and had access to water sources.
Step-by-step explanation:
Tikal became important due to its prominence as one of the powerful city-states in the Maya civilization during the Classic period, from around 250 CE to 900 CE. Tikal, along with other cities like Calakmul, Palenque, and Copan, had their own rulers and engaged in wars with other Maya city-states for territorial control and tribute. The importance of Tikal was also attributed to its strategic location, as it controlled trading routes and had access to water sources for drinking and irrigation.