How was the Mayan civilization governed?

The Maya belief in god-like rulers also made it important to keep the line of power in the family, which would occasionally include a woman ruler. The various Maya city-states are found in what is today Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras. The civilization extended from circa 1500 BCE to approximately 1500 CE. read more

The Maya civilization had no unified government at all, but rather encompassed many separate city states. However, many of these city states did have similar ideas about government. For example, Mayan thought about government was often centered on the concept of kings who acted as intermediaries between the mortal and spiritual realms. read more

The following cities were the focuses of three different studies which help to illustrate the overarching themes of Maya government. Kosakowsky’s study on the Classic Maya city of Motul de San José demonstrates the shifting tendencies of reign amongst the elite. read more

The Maya civilization consisted of a large number of city-states. Each city-state had its own independent government. A city-state was made up of a major city and the surrounding areas which sometimes included some smaller settlements and cities. read more