1. Mayan Hierarchy

2. Social Hierarchy A Mayan Warrior A Mayan Priest

3. Social Hierarchy • King and ruling family • Priests • Hereditary nobility (from which came the merchant class)‏ • Warriors • Professionals and artisans • Peasants • Slaves

4. Social Hierarchy • King and ruling family • Ruled from the city-kingdoms such as Tikal • Ruled by semi-divine right and believed their connection with the gods was maintained by ritual human sacrifice • Often had names associated with the jaguar • Called themselves Halach Unich • Often rebuilt temples as a means to ensure their position in perpetuity. A Mayan King

5. This picture shows a ceremonial depiction of a Halach Unic. • The various animals and accoutrements represent specific powers and attributes that the rulers felt they had or wanted people to believe they had.

6. Priests • Priests • Maintained an elaborate calendar and transmitted knowledge of writing, astronomy, and mathematics

7. Social Hierarchy • Hereditary nobility (from which came the merchant class)‏ • Owned most of the land and cooperated with the kings and priests by organizing military forces and participating in religious rituals • Warriors • Mayan kingdoms fought constantly with each other and warriors won tremendous prestige by capturing high-ranking enemies • Captives were usually made slaves, humiliated, tortured, and ritually sacrificed

8. Social Hierarchy • Professionals and artisans • Architects and sculptors supervised construction of the large monuments and public buildings • Peasants • Fed the entire society • Slaves • Provided physical labor for the construction of cities and monuments • Often had been captured in battle