Emperors
How were Mayan cities governed?
Maya cities were governed by a ruling family that held power and control over the city.
Who were the most influential figures in the ancient Maya Empire?
The most influential figures were the priests, not the ruling families.
Where did merchants and skilled artisans rank in Maya society?
Merchants and skilled artisans ranked just below the nobles in Maya society.
Who were the primary groups from which slaves were drawn in Maya society?
Slaves were often drawn from orphans, war captives, and individuals convicted of crimes.
What role did peasants play in Maya society?
Peasants were the backbone of Maya society, making up the majority of the population and sustaining the civilization through their labor.
What kind of life did the ruling families lead?
The ruling families led a life of luxury, enjoying wealth and privileges compared to the rest of society.
What did the common people provide to the priests?
The common people offered tributes, gifts, and free labor to the priests.
What roles did merchants (pochteca) play in Maya society?
Merchants (pochteca) had significant roles in trade, facilitating the exchange of goods.
What rights or privileges did slaves have in Mayan society?
Slaves had no rights or privileges, existing at the very bottom of the social hierarchy
What crops did peasants primarily cultivate in the Maya civilization?
Peasants primarily cultivated maize, beans, squash, and chili peppers, which formed the basis of the Maya diet.
What did rulers wear during religious ceremonies?
Rulers wore towering headdresses during religious ceremonies.
Why did the common people offer tributes and free labor to the priests?
They believed that the priests could communicate with the Maya gods and thus held spiritual power.
How did the role of artisans contribute to Maya culture and trade?
Artisans created both everyday and luxury items, contributing to both the trade economy and Maya culture.
How were some slaves treated in Maya society despite their low status?
Some slaves were treated relatively humanely, performing household tasks or skilled labor under better conditions.
In addition to farming, what other roles did peasants take on in Maya society?
Some peasants specialized as craftsmen, creating essential items like pottery, textiles, and tools for daily life and trade.
How was the position of ruler passed down in Maya society?
The position of ruler was hereditary, with sons inheriting the right to rule from their fathers.
How did priests live in Maya society?
Priests lived in luxury, with servants and attendants, and typically resided away from the common people.
Was there a middle class in Maya society?
No, there was no middle class in Maya society; instead, merchants and craftsmen belonged to either the noble class or the peasant class.
What risks did slaves face in Mayan society?
Slaves could be sold, traded, or punished at their owner's discretion, making their lives precarious.
How did the living conditions of peasants compare to those of the elite in Maya society?
Peasants lived modestly, often in simple thatched huts, and had limited access to the luxuries enjoyed by the elite.
How could a new ruling family take power in a Maya city?
A new ruling family could seize power only through warfare, which often led to frequent conflicts between Maya cities.
How often did common people get to see the priests?
Outside of major festivals, the common people seldom had the chance to see the priests.
What could happen to craftsmen who forgot their social status?
Craftsmen who forgot their social status could face severe consequences, including death.
Why were some slaves chosen for sacrifice in Mayan society?
Slaves were sometimes chosen for sacrifice during rituals or ceremonies, emphasizing their lack of autonomy and the importance of religious customs.
Why were some peasants chosen for human sacrifice?
Some peasants were chosen for human sacrifice in times of need, particularly when captured warriors were unavailable, as part of Maya religious and cultural practices.