The Mayan People
The Maya kingdom emerged around 1000BC and lasted until AD1697 and was one of the most powerful civilization in the Americas pre-Columbia. At its height of power, the empire covered lot of Mesoamerica. There were very distinct class and gender boundaries but men and women were considered to be equal. All Mayans shared a common culture and religion but did not have a central city or ruler. Each city governed itself and had its own ruler and royal family. Mayan figurines from multiple islands have been a great source of information on the life and customs of the Mayan people.