What was the economy like in the Mayans?

Basic agriculture — mostly production of corn, beans, and squash — was the daily task of the majority of the Maya population. Using basic slash-and-burn agriculture, Maya families would plant a series of fields which would be allowed to lie fallow at times.

What are 3 characteristics of the Mayans?

The Ancient Mayans developed the science of astronomy, calendar systems, and hieroglyphic writing. They were also known for creating elaborate ceremonial architecture, such as pyramids, temples, palaces, and observatories. These structures were all built without metal tools. The Maya were skilled weavers and potters.

How did Mayans make money?

The ancient Maya never used coins as money. Instead, like many early civilizations, they were thought to mostly barter, trading items such as tobacco, maize, and clothing.

Was the Mayan economy based on a division of social classes?

Maya society was rigidly divided between nobles, commoners, serfs, and slaves. The noble class was complex and specialized. Nobles were literate and wealthy, and typically lived in the central areas of Maya cities. Commoners worked as farmers, laborers, and servants.

How did the environment of the Maya impact their economy and architecture?

The Maya utilized the tropical forests that surrounded them to improve their lives. By building extensive canals, reservoirs, and raised fields, the Maya produced an abundant supply of food.

What were two important characteristics of the Maya civilization?

A Maya city can be recognized from the stepped pyramids, huge plazas and expansive palaces built for kings and nobles. One religious ritual common to many Mesoamerican cultures was the sacred ball game, with a ball court built close to temples.

How did the Mayan trade?

The Maya used several different mediums of exchange and in the trading of food commodities, the barter system was typically used for large orders. Cacao beans were used for everyday exchange in Postclassic times. For more expensive purchases gold, jade and copper were used as a means of exchange.

How did the Mayans prosper?

The Mayan cities had become so rich from trade, so powerful, and so large that they formed into city-states. They had lots of agriculture, complex trade networks, innovative architecture, and sophisticated religion. In this time, the population of Maya people entered the millions.

What kind of society did the Mayans have?

Maya society was rigidly divided between nobles, commoners, serfs, and slaves. The noble class was complex and specialized. Noble status and the occupation in which a noble served were passed on through elite family lineages.