Class System

Mayans never had a consistent state, but their administration based on common cultures adopted a city-state form of government, which later created federal states. Those leaders were halach uinic, who inherited his/her office and nominated local leaders and officials (bataboob) from the aristocracy. Only rulers, aristocrats, clergymen, officials and their servants were allowed in the middle of ceremonies. The Mayan rulers were mostly men. The rule descended usually from father to oldest son, but in Mayan history some females were rulers also. The clergy class (habinoob) had special interests. The people were divided into farmers, artisans and slaves (pentacoob). The farmers lived in the jungle and moved their corn plantations to new places every few years.