Maya Settlements
This was the basic political unit of Maya civilization, ruled independently.
city-state
This is another name for the region that includes present-day Belize, Guatemala, and parts of Mexico.
Mesoamerica
This rigid system meant people were born into a social class and could not leave it.
caste system
Each Maya city-state was ruled by one of these leaders.
ajaw
This group farmed the land and supported the entire Maya population.
peasants
These areas surrounded Maya cities and provided food and labor.
villages and farmland
The Maya Classic Period occurred during this time.
250 CE–900 CE
In Maya society, social status was usually passed down in this way.
heredity
This group included rulers, nobles, and priests.
the upper caste
These people had no rights and were often prisoners, criminals, or orphans.
Slaves
Maya city centers often included plazas, temples, markets, and this ceremonial structure used for games.
a ball court
This period came before the Classic Period and saw the early development of Maya society.
Pre-Classic Period
Maya men were expected to follow this when choosing their occupation.
their father’s job
These people were among the only ones who could read and write.
priests and nobles
If captured warriors were unavailable, people from this group were often used for human sacrifice.
Slaves
This was given by villagers to the city in the form of goods and labor, not money.
tribute
This Maya time period followed the Classic Period and lasted until Spanish contact.
Post-Classic Period
Maya women could participate in government, religion, and economics, but could not do this.
marry outside their social class
This group held the most power because people believed they could communicate with the gods.
priests
These individuals could come from different classes but followed a strict ranking system.
Warriors
This weakness of Maya settlements resulted from cities defending themselves instead of uniting.
weakened defense
Maya cities often developed near these natural features that supported farming and daily life.
rivers and fertile land
This group made up the largest portion of Maya society.
peasants
______ between Maya cities were common because new ruling families could gain power only in this way.
Wars
A peasant could become one of these, but would never outrank the son of someone born into it.
Warrior