Mayan Society 12/9/14

The Mayan Class System A class system is a system of society where… – People are given privileges based on their jobs or their family or both. – Based on those two things, they can fall into four different groups (classes) in Mayan society. The four classes of Mayan society were 1.The Ruling Class 2.The Nobility 3.Peasants 4.Slaves

1.The Ruling Class This class is made up of kings and their families. Since the Maya were not a united empire, kings ruled cities. Kings performed duties of a priest as well. – People depended on kings to talk to the gods on their behalf. – Kings could also declare war on cities to capture their wealth or take control of trade routes.

2. The Nobility Includes scholars, architects and merchants. Warriors may have also been nobles. Homes made of stone. Wore fancy clothing made of jaguar skin or colorful feathers. They were allowed to eat better than peasants. – Some food was reserved for nobles only. – Peasants could not drink chocolate but nobles could.

3. Peasants Peasant class included farmers and laborers. Made up most of the population. Lived in simple building made of mud or wood. Farmers lived in villages outside of cities.

Mayan farmers grew maize (corn), beans, squash, chili peppers, avocados, pineapple, and cacao (cocoa beans). Maize was most important crop to Maya. In highland areas, Maya used terrace farming. In rainforests, they used slash and burn agriculture. In dry areas, they dug irrigation canals to carry water to their fields. Mayan Farming

4. Slaves Slave class was the lowest, least privileged class in Mayan society. Slaves were usually made up of criminals and people captured in war. Orphaned children might also become slaves.