Mayan Social Classes

The _______________________ of each city-state was at the top of this social pyramid.

• nobles and priests

• merchants and artisans

• peasants

• ruler

The highest authority in the Maya state was the "halach uinic", which means....

• "god-king"

• "true man"

• "guide"

• "ruler"

True or False: The Maya ruler was considered to be a god-king

• True

• False

The ONLY two social classes that knew who to read and write were...

• nobles and priests

• merchants and artisans

• peasants

• ruler

What jobs did nobles serve as? [Check ALL that Apply]

• scribes

• officials

• administration of the Mayan state

• led armies

Whose job was it to maintain favor with the gods?

• nobles

• priests

• merchants

• aristans

• peasants

Which social class were often also mathematicians, astronomers, and healers?

• nobles

• priests

• merchants

• aristans

• peasants

Which social class painted books on paper made from the bark of fig trees and painted murals of Maya life, important battles, and other major events?

• nobles

• priests

• merchants

• aristans

• peasants

Which social class performed manual labor for their owners?

• peasants

• priests

• merchants

• aristans

• slaves

What were some products the Mayan merchants traded? [Check ALL that Apply]

• obsidian

• jade

• tree sap incense

• quetzal birds and feathers