The Maya political system was somewhat different from most ancient civilizations. Instead of there being a big empire with a central leader or king, each of the Maya cities, had it's own leader and government. However each of these small governments where pretty much conformed in the same manner.

The principal leader was called HALACH WINIK, which means "Great Man". This position was hereditary and was passed from the father to his oldest male son. If there weren't any, then it would be passed to his oldest brother. Besides his government duties, the Halach Winik presided many religious ceremonies. He was advised in many matters by a group of priests and noble men that where called "AH CUCHCAB".

The BATAB, where the minor rulers. They had social, religious, and military duties inside their own entity or small town. They where usually related to the Halach Winik who appointed them. They normally acted as supreme leaders of their own district but in times of wars their ruling was replaced by the "NACON" or military leaders. Another of the Batab's main responsibilities was to make sure his people paid the tributes demanded by the Halach Winik on time.

The AH KULELOOB, where a group of men that accompanied the Batab, they acted as some sort of delegates, and where in charge of making sure that the Batab's orders where executed.

The Maya clergy also had a very important role in the government. All the rulers including the Halach Winik came to them for advice and predictions, and almost never dared to defy them.



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