Final answer:
The Mayan social pyramid consisted of five levels: nobles, priests, the middle class, commoners, and slaves. Daily life for most Mayans revolved around farming, with men working in the fields and women taking care of domestic chores. Mayan society had a strong sense of community and villagers often participated in religious rituals and trade.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Five Levels of the Mayan Social Pyramid
- Nobles: At the top level were the nobles who could trace their ancestry back to the first rulers. They owned land, lived in two-story stone houses, and monopolized positions in government and religion.
- Priests: Below the nobles were the priests, who played a crucial role in Mayan society. They conducted religious ceremonies, interpreted omens, and communicated with the gods.
- Middle Class: The middle class consisted of merchants, tradespeople, and scribes. They were responsible for economic activities such as trade and keeping records.
- Commoners: Commoners made up the majority of the Mayan society. They were farmers, laborers, and artisans who worked to support the higher classes.
- Slaves: Slaves were at the bottom of the social pyramid. They were typically prisoners of war or people who had fallen into debt and were sold into slavery.
Daily Life for Most Mayans
For the common people, daily life revolved around farming. They grew crops such as maize, beans, and squash. Men usually worked in the fields, while women took care of domestic chores such as cooking and weaving. Mayans had a strong sense of community and often lived in small villages where they participated in religious rituals, traded goods, and interacted with their neighbors.
Life for the nobles and priests was more luxurious. They enjoyed a higher standard of living, had access to more resources, and occupied positions of power within society.