Government
The Mayans shared very similar beliefs but were never united as a single empire. Rather, the Mayans lived in individual political states that were linked together through trade, political alliances, and tributes. Some of the states were independent, while others were part of larger political hierarchies. At the start, the Maya states were governed by simple chiefdoms. By the Classic Period, Maya governance had taken on the form of powerful centralized leaders who got power through political connections and religious connections. Individuals who disobeyed their rulers were severely punished as Mayans believed that obedience to their leader was crucial in maintaining peace. Human sacrifice started before the Classic period and was used as to demonstrate the power of the ruler and the gods.
Maya was divided into 18 seperate states with many smaller towns and villages under the rule of a capital city. Nine of these states were ruled by a single ruler called a halach uinic (or ahaw), while the others were led by councils of nobles of elite lineage or were allied with larger states.
Maya was divided into 18 seperate states with many smaller towns and villages under the rule of a capital city. Nine of these states were ruled by a single ruler called a halach uinic (or ahaw), while the others were led by councils of nobles of elite lineage or were allied with larger states.
Roles in Mayan States
Halach Unic (ahaw): The ruler. He was considered to be the highest ranking person in the state and had to be from an elite family. This role was passed down onto sons, brothers, or a suitable candidate who was selected by the priests and council if no relatives existed.
Holpop: The council that helped the halach unic rule. They restricted his power and made sure that fair decisions were made.
Nacom: Each Mayan state had a Nacom. They were the military commander. They served the government for three years and was responsible for formulating military strategy and calling troops to battle.
High Priest: Each state had a high priest who led all of the priests, determined the dates of important religious events and was fortold of important events to come to the ruler.
Batab: Appointed by the halach unic. They looked after the dependant cities and villages withint the state. They usually held administrative, judicial and military power over their towns. They made sure that a tributet was made to the halach unic by the cities and villages and also supplied troops during times of war. They were not payed a tribute themselves but were suported by the people who lived in each town. They each ruled an ah cuch cabob.
Ah Cuch Cabob: The local council that the Batab ruled. It was made up of town officials. Each official was the head of the different subdivisions (nalil)
Ah Kuleloob: The Batab's assistent who helped them carry out their governmental duties.
Tupiles: Each town had a tupile (a type of constable or police officer). They helped keep peace and were supervised by the batab.
Holpop: The council that helped the halach unic rule. They restricted his power and made sure that fair decisions were made.
Nacom: Each Mayan state had a Nacom. They were the military commander. They served the government for three years and was responsible for formulating military strategy and calling troops to battle.
High Priest: Each state had a high priest who led all of the priests, determined the dates of important religious events and was fortold of important events to come to the ruler.
Batab: Appointed by the halach unic. They looked after the dependant cities and villages withint the state. They usually held administrative, judicial and military power over their towns. They made sure that a tributet was made to the halach unic by the cities and villages and also supplied troops during times of war. They were not payed a tribute themselves but were suported by the people who lived in each town. They each ruled an ah cuch cabob.
Ah Cuch Cabob: The local council that the Batab ruled. It was made up of town officials. Each official was the head of the different subdivisions (nalil)
Ah Kuleloob: The Batab's assistent who helped them carry out their governmental duties.
Tupiles: Each town had a tupile (a type of constable or police officer). They helped keep peace and were supervised by the batab.