Maya Political Organization

Ajaw

A term used for a king or lord in Maya civilization.

Bureaucracy

A system of government or management in which decisions are made by state officials rather than by elected representatives.

Calakmul

An ancient Maya city and one of the largest of its time, located in the Mexican state of Campeche.

Caracol

A significant ancient Maya city located in present-day Belize, known for its archaeological sites.

City-State

An independent, self-governing city which also governs surrounding territory.

Copan

An archaeological site of the Maya civilization located in the Copan Department of western Honduras.

Dynasty

A succession of rulers from the same family or group.

Economic Capital

The financial resources and wealth that a city-state or polity accumulates and uses.

El Mirador

An ancient Maya city known for its monumental architecture and large-scale urban planning.

High Priest

A senior religious leader in Maya society, responsible for ceremonial practices.

Ideological Capital

The cultural and ideological resources that a city-state possesses and utilizes for governance.

Ix Ajaw

A term referring to female rulers or queens in Maya culture.

Kaminaljuyu

An ancient Maya city located near modern-day Guatemala City, known for its rich history.

K'uhul Ajaw

A title given to a divine lord or king in Maya society, signifying both political and religious authority.

Military Captains

Leaders of military campaigns or forces within Maya city-states.

Palenque

An ancient Maya city known for its architecture, inscriptions, and the tomb of the ruler Pakal.

Political Capital

The center of administration and government in a city-state.

Polity Hierarchy

The structured levels of authority and governance within a city-state.

Popol Naah

The house of the council or the ruling body in Maya society.

Ruling Council

A group of leaders and advisors who govern a city-state.

Sajal

A title for a leader or lord in the Maya civilization, often in charge of several city-states.

Social/Cultural Capital

The networks of relationships and cultural resources that benefit a polity.

Tikal

One of the largest archaeological sites and urban centers of the Maya civilization, located in Guatemala.