Social hierarchy was closely tied to Maya cosmology. The highest lineages, linked to the gods, held the divine right to rule over commoners. The governing institution included priests and wise men whose knowledge of the cosmos allowed them, through rituals and ceremonies, to ensure the continuity of society and maintain the balance of the universe. They were also responsible for managing and regulating economic activities such as agricultural cycles, craft production, and trade. Their observations of the celestial vault, calendars, and predictions allowed them to understand the periodicity of natural phenomena and to maximize environmental resources.