What were the social classes in Mayan society?

The Mayan civilization, which thrived in Mesoamerica from approximately 2000 BCE to 1500 CE, had a complex social structure that was divided into several distinct classes. These social classes were primarily based on occupation, wealth, and lineage.

At the top of the social hierarchy were the ruling elite, consisting of the king, nobles, and high-ranking priests. The king, known as the "halach uinic," held absolute power and was considered divine. The nobles, known as "ahauob," were the king's close relatives and held important administrative and military positions. The high-ranking priests, known as "ah kin," were responsible for conducting religious ceremonies and interpreting the will of the gods.

Below the ruling elite were the free commoners, who made up the majority of the population. They were further divided into two main groups: the upper class and the lower class. The upper class consisted of skilled artisans, merchants, and scribes who enjoyed a higher social status due to their specialized skills and wealth. They often lived in larger houses and had access to better resources and education. The lower class, on the other hand, comprised farmers, laborers, and unskilled workers who had limited resources and lived in smaller houses.

Beneath the free commoners were the slaves or captives of war, known as "pok-a-tok." Slavery was an integral part of Mayan society, and slaves were considered the lowest class. They were often used for manual labor, such as farming, construction, and serving the ruling elite.

It is important to note that social mobility was limited in Mayan society, as one's social status was largely determined by birth and lineage. However, exceptional individuals could sometimes rise through the ranks by displaying exceptional skills or through marriage alliances with the ruling elite.

Overall, the Mayan social structure was hierarchical and stratified, with the ruling elite at the top, followed by the free commoners, and finally the slaves at the bottom. This social organization played a significant role in shaping the political, economic, and cultural aspects of Mayan civilization.