Maya civilization stands out for its remarkable intellectual achievements and the development of science and the arts. They produced food and raw materials that supported a high level of cultural development, evidenced by architectural remains and utilitarian and luxury objects reflecting a complex social organization.

Social stratification was based on access to resources and each group’s role in productive activities. The social structure was headed by rulers and priests, who made decisions about production and controlled the surplus. Their noble relatives facilitated the exercise of power, along with artists and merchants, while production activities were carried out by farmers, laborers, and artisans who were subject to a tribute system.