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Government was an important part of the Maya civilization. Priests ran governments, ruled cities, led ceremonies and performed many other jobs. |
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Maya priests were also the rulers of cities. Every day they would perform services after climbing the hundreds of temple steps. Maya priests might have caused the collapse of the Maya when the lesser Mayas (farmers) got tired of having to obey the commands of the priests and abandoned the cities. |
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One of the most famous Maya rulers was Lord Pacal. He became a king at the age of 6 and legally took the throne at 12. Pacal was a priest/ruler/king for about 50 years before he died. When his tomb was discovered he was wearing a jade death mask. To the left is a picture of a recreation of the death mask. |
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Other important facts:
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