Ancient Maya EconomyEconomic systems refer to the allocation of resources available to a society- labor, food, raw materials and the production and distribution of goods.
As we all now know, the Maya economic system was largely based on food and agriculture. Early research into the Maya resulted in Maya cities being considered as vacant ceremonial centers ruled by a peaceful priesthood, but it was later known that these cities were densely populated and stratified societies that were ruled by Kings who practiced warfare and extensive trade and exchange with their neighbors!
Such stratification within society produced different levels of ancient Maya economy, working together in unison to produce what we now know as their extensive trade history!
- The Social Economy - the degree to which resources were collectively managed by members of society.
- The Political Economy - the degree to which resources were centrally managed by a great privilege elite.
- The Domestic Economy - all practices that contribute to the many modes of consumption, production and reproduction of the household at various levels of society.