City-States and Social Hierarchy of the Maya Civilization

City-States and Social Hierarchy of the Maya Civilization

• City-States: The Maya civilization was not a unified empire but rather a collection of independent city-states, each ruled by its own king, or “Ajaw.” These city-states often competed with one another, forming alliances or engaging in warfare.
• Social Hierarchy: Maya society was highly stratified, with a clear hierarchy:
• Nobility: The ruling class included kings, priests, and elite families who held political, religious, and military power.
• Priests: The priesthood played a crucial role in society, conducting religious ceremonies, interpreting omens, and maintaining the calendar.
• Artisans and Merchants: Skilled workers and traders who contributed to the economy and culture.
• Farmers and Laborers: The majority of the population were farmers who grew maize, beans, squash, and other crops. They also provided labor for building monumental structures.
• Slaves: The lowest social class, consisting of war captives, debtors, and criminals.