Explain the Mayan concept of the underworld and its rulers.

The Mayan concept of the underworld, known as Xibalba, played a significant role in their religious beliefs and cosmology. According to Mayan mythology, Xibalba was a dark and treacherous realm located beneath the surface of the Earth. It was believed to be the dwelling place of the dead, as well as various supernatural beings and deities.

The rulers of Xibalba were known as the Lords of the Underworld or the Death Gods. There were several prominent rulers, each associated with different aspects of death and the afterlife. The most well-known rulers were Hun-Came ("One Death") and Vucub-Came ("Seven Death"), who were often depicted as skeletal figures or skeletal jaguars.

These Death Gods were feared and revered by the Mayans, as they held immense power over the souls of the deceased. They were responsible for judging and punishing the souls based on their actions in life. The Mayans believed that the souls of the dead had to pass through a series of trials and tests in Xibalba before reaching their final resting place.

The Lords of the Underworld were also associated with various natural phenomena and disasters, such as earthquakes, diseases, and eclipses. They were believed to have the ability to influence the physical world and bring about destruction if not appeased through rituals and offerings.

Overall, the Mayan concept of the underworld and its rulers reflected their complex understanding of death, the afterlife, and the supernatural realm. It played a crucial role in their religious practices and rituals, as well as their worldview and understanding of the cosmic order.