Maya Social Structure

The Maya social structure was hierarchical and complex, consisting of several distinct classes. At the top were the nobles, including kings and priests, who held political and religious power. Below them were the artisans and merchants, responsible for trade and crafts. Farmers made up the majority of the population, working the land to produce food. At the bottom were the laborers and slaves, who performed the most demanding tasks. This structure was deeply intertwined with their religious beliefs, with the elite often seen as intermediaries between the gods and the people.