Maya Economy
Agriculture was the important to even the earliest of Maya. They specialized in growing crops such as corn, beans, and squash, just to name a few. But they most heavily relied corn as trade currency. The second for of currency was animals, such as cows, pigs, goats and even bees. They would also pay taxes using these methods, often giving up a portion of their crops.
This most basic form of economy set the tone for the world's later economic developments. Many countries today still follow their economic trade example.
This most basic form of economy set the tone for the world's later economic developments. Many countries today still follow their economic trade example.
Mayan Social Structure
The social structure of the Maya was class based, and helped to dictate their governmental structure as well. The highest class was made up of the Supreme Rulers or Emperors. They were considered to be descendants of the god and required obedience without doubt.
The next rank was made up of priests and noble rulers. Since religion played a major role, it was accepted that the priests were considered to be the most important of all others including the king. Nobles inherited their role and made up a very small number of influential powerful advisers to the king.
Beneath the Priests and Nobles were the Merchants and Artisans. They acquired positions and specialties, yet never rose to any position of authority.
Peasants were workers and servants. They comprised the lowest class in society and worked for those above them in class. They were considered the lowest in society, since slaves (prisoners of war, orphans, or children of slaves) were not even considered part of society and had no rights or privileges.
The next rank was made up of priests and noble rulers. Since religion played a major role, it was accepted that the priests were considered to be the most important of all others including the king. Nobles inherited their role and made up a very small number of influential powerful advisers to the king.
Beneath the Priests and Nobles were the Merchants and Artisans. They acquired positions and specialties, yet never rose to any position of authority.
Peasants were workers and servants. They comprised the lowest class in society and worked for those above them in class. They were considered the lowest in society, since slaves (prisoners of war, orphans, or children of slaves) were not even considered part of society and had no rights or privileges.