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Mayan society was deeply divided. At the top of the social ladder was the ruler, (ahau or halach uinic in Maya) who was the earthly representative of the gods. Such was his holiness that when a ruler died he was buried in a tomb deep in a pyramid, built as a lasting memorial to his life. An offering of jade, pottery and even food was arranged around his bier.
The priests occupied the second rung of the ladder and were followed by lords who maintained the peace and imparted justice. Nobles, warriors, artists and merchants came next and on the bottom rung were the peasants who supplied the food and cash crops, as well as labor for building temples, pyramids and palaces.
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© 2004 Editorial Veras. La guía Oficial del Caribe Mexicano.