Mayan culture

MAYA
It is unknown what was the origin of this culture, it is believed that about ten thousand or twenty thousand years before Christ came from Asia, crossing the Bering Strait in Alaska to take advantage of the freezing waters. This theory is widely accepted as it is based on the similarity of the current anthropological characteristics between Maya and Asian groups. These features are similar: the epicanthic fold of the eyelids, the similarity in the lines of the hand, short stature, poor beard, hair black and straight, and the Mongolian spot is observed in children and disappears ten years or so.

MAYA CULTURE AND HISTORICAL PERIODS
I
Formative or Preclassic (2000 BC - 150 AD)
They were farmers and developed the study of the seasons for their crops. They observed the cycles of the moon and the sun's course being able to develop major studios and knowledge of astronomy. Hieroglyphic writing was used to keep your records and major events.
Established a numbering system that was based vigesimal the number 20 (our system is decimal, ie is based on the number 10). These advances were made during the centuries probably do IV and II AC in what is now the presumed area of ​​the Peten. The sculpture was practiced in the period crude form with no embellishments. The limestone and stucco were the main materials for the building of great architectural works, built large stepped pyramids and temples.

The Mayan number system was based on the number 20 (vigesimal).
Combinations of dots and bars were the arithmetical and calendrical system.
Although they were sometimes used heads and other symbols to represent events and stories.
During this period, made the organization of city-states linked by a common culture, religion, government, language and race. This period is characterized by the development of astronomical and chronological systems that are based on high culture developed by the Maya.
II Classic Period (from 150 to d.c tenth century)
It is characterized as the most important period of the Maya, by the splendor and development that achieves the Mayan culture. Establishing the most important Mayan cities such as Tikal, Uaxactun, Piedras Negras, Quirigua, Palenque, Copan, etc.. notably in the beautiful religious temples and palaces of stately architecture. The sculpture Preclassic comparison, reaches its greatest flowering in the use of high and low relief. We developed the Mayan calendar, the most accurate of his time.
Religion had its highest expression, whole cities earmarked for this activity and which are expressed in graphical form all great historical events in monoliths and stone sculptures.
During the last five centuries of the classical period, the Maya migrated north, which today comprises the Yucatan region, where new towns were founded. The ancient cities were suddenly abandoned buildings left incomplete by ignoring the true explanation of this migration and decay.
Among the most accepted theories on the migration of this civilization is the result of impoverished agricultural collapse and low soil fertility by the improper use and handling of resources and the intensive cultivation of maize, others believe that epidemics struck the inhabitants reducing a considerable number of inhabitants. Another theory of great importance, is the major climatic changes involving the territory or stalking and threatening warlike people who invaded the cities.
According to experts and scholars of the great Mayan culture, the main cause of the decline was due to political and economic disruption resulting from the uprising of the people against the elite and ruling hierarchy, the proof is mutilated statues and stelae representing thereto. The situation became more difficult because only the elite concentrated capacity and structure to maintain and develop the existing culture, so Maya centers were left without direction.
III
Postclassic Period (From the tenth century to the mid-thirteenth century)
During this period, the peoples inhabiting the region of the Central American isthmus were invaded by the Toltecs. These came from central Mexico and were characterized as warriors, the Toltec invasion gave rise to the Maya-Toltec in which the Quiche and Cakchiquel located.
With the arrival of the Toltecs were noted large cultural and political changes within the Maya. There is a high development in the trade that led to the construction of roads that connected the city with another. The architecture underwent a remarkable transformation in their buildings dominated the feathered serpent motifs, which was the symbol of Quetzalcoat (god of civilization of the Aztecs), just as the eagle and the jaguar, symbol of the Itza (Chichen Itza originating .)
The terraces and spacious and bright columns were another of the notable changes in the construction of temples and buildings. Appear metals, which were not used in production tools, the bow and arrow were his instruments of war and hunting. During this period the war intensifies and slavery, the practice of human sacrifice and gave way to cultural and scientific regression that the Maya had reached as the abandonment of the calendar, the numbering system and the end of the great monuments in hieroglyphic writing features of the great Mayan culture.


The fusion domain of the Toltec culture to the Mayan culture gave rise to the termination of a high culture by a warlike people of a town of great cultural development.
IV Period of Decline (From mid-thirteenth century
until the Spanish conquest)
The intesificación of war between peoples and the continuing internal convulsions of Mesoamerican cultures give rise to the Maya decline. With the war intensifying slavery, slaughter and subjugation of one people over another, leading to the construction of strategic cities and temples were incorporating defensive areas.
The people in conflict in this period were Mayapan and Chichen Itza, who vied for political power being the first who manages to dominate and rule over 2 and a half centuries. The Toltecs disappeared at the beginning of the thirteenth century the Itza taking their place and move to what is now the department of Petén, founding the city of Tayasal.
The wars continued and small towns were decimated and enslaved joining these events plagues and epidemics. Thus the people of this great culture had greatly reduced percentage of the arrival of the Spanish in the sixteenth century, the great Mayan empire, the most advanced culture was virtually extinct.
However, the Maya proved to be a tenacious people to resist the European conquerors that advantage to dominate the internal conflict and structural disruption of the indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica.
Society
Villages "housing"
There were single-family homes where they lived parents and adopted children who old or young members of the family or outside it (eg Tulum). There were also multi-family buildings inhabited by people of common blood ties of high social status (eg, residential complexes Kohunlich). The materials of the houses vary from walls and ceilings of wood and palm-resistant materials such as stone and stucco. Housing could also be formed by three separate major structures (bedrooms, kitchen, cellar) and others could build separate structures (workshops, sauna baths) (Example: Joya de Ceren).
They slept on a low platform attached to the walls where they placed mattresses filled with cotton (the hammocks were adapted from fishing nets, invention of the Haitian indígenascaribes Yucatan reached with the arrival of the Spanish). Also slept on mats on the floor.
These rooms were poorly ventilated and light because they lacked windows. The rooms were used for sleeping and storing belongings, their occupants working in the suburbs and had gardens for family consumption.
It is necessary to consider and note that the common people lived in so-called palapas around the cities, the materials used are renewable like the back chit, guano (for roofs) wood, bajareques, stucco (for walls .) In the center of the city inhabited by the priests and nobility in the castles, pyramids and ceremonial temples.
Clothing
Much of the population was dedicated to the agricultural days, so used clothing to the conditions, as well as clothing depended on the social level. Most people were dressed simply, women with the blouse or huipil or a skirt and mantle, and men with a kind of underwear called pati. However, the nobility used rich and complicated costumes embroidered with feathers and gems, leather sandals and wore large headdresses, as well as necklaces, belts and heavy chest inlaid with mother of pearl and engraved stones. Other common items among the nobles were the skirts, short or long coats, jackets (usually jaguar fur or cotton), ornaments of shells, snails and geometric designs. Besides the hit, some nobles and priests wore huge earrings, nose rings, bracelets and rings of jade, quartz and gold, and pierced the chin under the lower lip, to embed a big kiss.
Among the accessories had hats, turbans, headdresses, tiaras and conical hats. Usually the jade is used to 900 a. C. (Though not disappear) and then comes lajoyería gold.
We can imagine, by the paintings of Bonampak, wealth and splendor that radiated these garments in the ceremonies and in battle, where the warriors costume added to your weapons, shields and coats or vests also profuse and beautifully decorated.
To dye their sartorial items used different dyes. The most important were:
Of mineral
 Attapulgite
Vegetable
 Indigo (Indigofera sufruticosa) and (Indigrofera guatemalensis) of these two is thought that the Maya took Maya blue (special color).
Animal
 The red color obtained from the Cochineal (insect parasite that attacks the prickly pear, of which there are several species of the genera Opundia and Nopalea).
 The purple color comes from a snail called Purple belly.
These dyes were obtained from crops or by trade.
The woman and her social position
She had high positions in society and some were rulers. Women were very important to the family economy, as elaborated pottery, designing pieces in clay or carved or sculpted as a sculpture, and weaving the cotton to make clothes. They also raised animals for food or as pets and were responsible for developing food and beverages for religious holidays. Not participate in religious ceremonies where human sacrifices were made, except in certain attending parties where elderly women.
In the post-classical women did not participate in self-sacrifice, but in the classic itself, at least those of high rank.
For the Maya, the Kamnicté (marriage) was formed by parents and arrangement was for economic or alliance. Furthermore, other customs, the newly married man living under the orders of his father in a variable period, but sometimes could become five.
Physical features
An investigation by the U.S. Sylvanus G. Morley on Yucatec Maya population showed that the average height was 154.61 cm and 142.65 cm, weight of 52.86 kg and 50 kg and the index was of 85.8 Cephalic half and 86.8 for men and women respectively. [citation needed]
According to archaeological evidence (study of the monuments and arts of antiquity) and ethnographic (research, description and classification of races or peoples), it follows that the Maya have a broad head (brachycephalic), aquiline nose, black hair and straight, high cheekbones, forehead wide (wide and flat) and almond eyes (with a pronounced and noticeable crease in the eyelids which gives them a distinctly oriental touch) dark. The neck is short and the shoulders are wide.
The characteristics of these groups were modified by magical influences and / or rituals, and that changed the eye position for a strabismic eye caused (according to Fray Diego de Landa), with beads of wax that parents put in front of the eyes of their children. The deformation of the skull was performed in children taking advantage of the bone, between the first week after birth and two years, they are solid and are moldable (there were two variants of deformation of the skull), the elongation deformation of the skull was done through placement of two tables, one in front and one behind (these deformations are practiced in newborns of both sexes and all social classes). Other customs (for more than fashions had magical-spiritual purposes) were body painting (as tattoos on chest, arms and legs), excoriation or scarification (technique of causing scarring decorative purposes), the drilling of limadoy teeth for "semi-precious stones" (pieces of jade, obsidian or pyrite) and ornaments such as ear muffs (kind of earrings), pectoral, labrets (nose rings), plumes, etc.. Importantly, tattooing and scarification was the prerogative of gentlemen, distinguished priests and warriors.
Much of this information comes from the Spanish Friar Diego de Landa, who lived in colonial times. During his stay maya destroyed much documentation, but ultimately became a book about civilization.
Structure of the Mayan civilization
Social organization
Life in the major urban centers of prehispanic should be as complex as it is in modern cities today. What is known of the Maya makes us think so. In "The Maya" by Howard Lafay can read that:
"Gone was the image of the Maya as peaceful farmers practicing primitive esoteric religious rites in the stillness of the forest. The result is a garrison town full of life, in numerous previously unsuspected, which used highly advanced agricultural techniques. And like the Vikings half a world away, briskly traded and invaded. "
Howard Lafay # GGC11C


Estela Maya Campeche, bas-relief figure wearing; Museum of Solitude.
Maya society was organized on the basis of a marked social stratification, the head of which was the nobility, losalmenehoob ("those parents"). This elite group monopolized power and authority to bear the political and religious positions. The supreme ruler of the province was, as we saw, the Halach Uinik (or Halach Wíinik) who lived in absolute power over the earthly and spiritual matters. It was also called Ahau, their emblems were the round shield and scepter as figuraantropomorfa headed snake. The office of Halach Uinik was hereditary within one family, and passed from father to eldest son.
The Halach Uinik was at the same time, the Batab or chief of the city where he lived, and had under his command the rest of the bataboob or local chiefs of the people who made up the province. As supreme leader, received tribute summoned the warriors and policy formulated.
In war every Batab commanded his soldiers, but there was a supreme military commander called Nacom, who held the post for three years and reported directly to the Halach Uinik.
After bataboob Cuch Caboob were the Ah, who administered the neighborhoods where the city was divided. A similar position was that of Kuleloob Ah, delegates accompanying the Batab, serving as helpers, spokespeople and messenger. We also found the officials responsible for social and ceremonial, called Popolna and Ah holpop. Finally, the lowest category of staff was that of the tupiles, who acted as "officers" or police, maintaining order and monitor compliance with the law.
The group of priests, called generically ahkincob (singular: ahkin), had the same category as leaders or bataboob. The "priesthood" was also hereditary and exclusive of a few noble families. The high priest was called Ahuacán, meaning "serpent lord." Its activities are related to the ritual, the sacrifices, divination, laastronomía, chronological calculations, hieroglyphic writing, religious education and administration of the temples.
Below the priests were called Ahuacán chilames or soothsayers, interpret the designs for the gods sent men through oracles. Responsible for carrying out ritual sacrifices and open the chest of the victim to get the heart was the Nacom, not to be confused with the military leader who was also called as well. He was assisted by four assistant called Chacoob, who, in addition to holding the victim had other functions such as lighting the fire again in the month of Pop, fasting blood and spread to the idols were just carved in the month of Mol.
No doubt about their place professional traders (Ppolom) in the social scale. They were members of the nobility, not only through descent from sailors Putun conquerors of the land, but to get their hands this important economic activity. Thus, the chronicler Antonio de Herrera y Tordecillas in his General History of the facts of the Spaniards in the islands and mainland of the Ocean Sea states:
"In this land of Acalan, used to make the most mighty lord merchant, and so was Apoxpalón, who had a great deal of cotton, cocoa, slaves, salt, gold, though little and mixed with copper, and other things and snails Colorado, for ornaments of the people, resins and incense for the temples and tea for lighting, colors and inks in war paint and to dye couple parties and defense of heat and cold and other goods they needed ... "
Antonio de Herrera y Tordecillas
In his capacity of nobles, merchants were powerful allies of the military leaders and informing them about the routes and the economic and defensive of other peoples.
Although, in general, all land was communally owned and belonged to the people, the nobles had greater access to the product of the earth (fruit, cocoa plantations and salt), not owned or worked: profited from the work of farmers. They also received tax payments, normally involving products of hunting and fishing, the corn crops, honey, cotton blankets and personal service.
Under this complex stratum was the nobility, was the people, ordinary people call Yalba Uinikoob ("little men"), Cemal UINICOOB, Memba UINICOOB or Pizilcan, all commoners. These names mean the same as the term Nahuatl Macehual, often used in colonial times.
The "common people" was the most numerous and included farmers, fishermen, loggers, water carriers, masons, artisans, masons, weavers, porters, and so on. The village was the one who cultivated corn and produce food for themselves and for the noble class. Which was also cut, loaded, delved and carved stones that make up the great buildings, he built roads and temples, that decorated their walls with paintings and mosaics, and with their tribute in kind and work holding to the privileged class.
Below the town was the last rung on the social scale: the slaves, (ppentoc, Munach male and female). They were, for the most part, individuals captured in war or slaves of a crime. It also could be born or become such a slave to be sold commercially or orphaned.
In schematic form we can say that Maya society was divided into four main social groups:
 The nobility made up of priests, warriors, bureaucrats and businessmen, exercising power and belonged to this group only by birth.
 Skilled artisans, who produced the objects used by the nobility to dress, decorate their homes and show their range.
 The peasants who lived scattered around cities and taxed a third of what they produced to the nobility.
 The slaves, prisoners of war who were sold to do work or to be slaughtered in certain rituals to rain, the earth or the sun.
Political organization (government)
In the Classic period (290 to 909 AD.), The supreme rulers received the title of K'inich (Sun Face), Ahaw Te '(Mr Tree), Ch'ul Ahaw (Holy Lord) or Bakab (Holder World). Other nobles related to him were called Ahaw (Lord).
There were also rulers of secondary centers or cities, who were called Sahl (Sahalo'ob plural) and yielded allegiance to Ahaw Te '.
During the Terminal Classic (800 to 1000 AD.) And early Postclassic (909 to 1451 AD.) Was another form of government in the Yucatan Peninsula: the Multepal or Confederate government whose hegemonic cities were first Chichen Itza and after Mayapan. In Multepal not a single ruler, but the government was run by several people at once, who saw themselves as "brothers." Each of the members of the governing council (Multepal) received the title of Ah Tepal.


Division of Maya chiefdoms in the sixteenth century by Ralph Roys
After the destruction of Mayapan (1451) the Yucatan peninsula was divided in 16 or 17 independent provinces Kuchkabal calls. Each Kuchkabal had his capital, where he lived the Halach Wíinik or Halach Uinik (true man), who had military authority, judicial and political. Each was divided into Batabilo Kuchkabal 'ob (Batabil singular) that were governed by officials of high rank. Batabo called 'ob (Batab singular). The Batab paid him allegiance to Halach Wíinik and sometimes were relatives. In turn, Batabil was divided into several Kuchkteel or residential units. This OU lived in a village and was divided into extended families. Their leaders met in council to solve the issues of government and, apparently, the Batab also part of that advice. CadaBatabil councils were composed of the representatives of the interests of families: ah k 'ulo' ub (h k 'ul singular) and representatives appointed by the Batab: ah kuch out' ob (ah kuch kob in the singular) . The kuchtabal of Hocabá-Homún yCalotmul batabes had not, but the second level of government was exercised by holpop, officials appointed by the family heads of the kuchteelo 'ob.
The Halach Uinik was the high priest of each kuchkabal. Next in the category Ahaw K'in Ah Kan May or May. The regular priests were named k'in ah, the sacrificers: ah nakom, who prophesied: Chilan, other priests of lesser degree: chako'ob and the modern are hmen Yucatan. The leaders or captains Nakom warriors were called, although the Batab also had high military rank.
In the highlands of Guatemala, the Quiche government was in charge of the Ah Pop, and the government of the Cakchiquel by four officials called Ago, although two of them exercised real power: the Ahpotsots'il and Ahpoxahil.
Religious organization (characters of the religious structure)
 Halach Uinik, priest and governor of Kuchkabal (province).
Ah K'in  May or Mai Kan Ahau: the high priest.
 Ah K'in: regular priest. Ah prefix origin, means Sun Kin, ie "the coming of the Sun".
Ah  Nacom: sacrificers.
 Chilam: prophet.
 Cha ako'ob: helpers.
Mayan religion was very aware of your gods and they deserved and very faithful to them.
Economic organization


The seeds of the cacao (Theobroma cacao) were used as currency by the Maya.
With agriculture a central activity in the life of the Maya, has been much speculation about agricultural techniques most often used in ancient times, if the extended type, as the system of slash and burn, or those of intensive type, such as irrigation and terracing. There is evidence that both techniques combined with other alternatives, including the collection, the home gardener, the ridges or raised fields, arboriculture, hunting and fishing. It is important to remember that it was mainly the tropical rainforest ecosystem type in which the Maya lived and which they obtained their food. However, the characteristics of the tropics vary greatly and it is possible that differences in climate, soil and vegetation determine the exploitation of natural resources and the type of farming system used. The techniques should therefore be adapted to the quantity and quality of available land, the type of crops and various socioeconomic factors.
Trade
Trade was essential for the economy as Maya in the geographical area provided great products, but limited in others. During the classic large developed markets in the cities who called p'polom. Following the social reorganization of the late Postclassic tianguis were developed. Among the Maya, traders were long and extensive tours to cater to small traders who distributed from house to house items unique to certain areas such as Jade, Motagua Valley in Guatemala, indipensableObsidiana sources in the highlands of Guatemala as The Chayal and Ixtepeque, the prestigious Quetzal feathers of the cloud forests of Guatemala, northeastern cotton, shells and fish from the coast. The salt from the north, and sources of the river Chixoy in Alta Verapaz, cocoa from Tabasco, Guatemala and Honduras and elpedernal Puuc area. Art also became a subject popular among nobles, and polychrome ceramics from places like Chama and Nebaj in the highlands of Guatemala were distinguished for its fine works that have enconrado in many distant sites. Large traders acquired great prestige and reputation among the Maya nobility and were sometimes recruited as spies for the king.
Currency
There were no currencies to trade, barter and only occasionally used cocoa as such. Although there was no exact value, a rabbit was worth 10 seeds. Cocoa retained its economic uses for a short period of Spanish rule: The June 17, 1555, by order of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, cocoa could be exchanged with European currencies to a Royal Spanish equivalent to 140 cocoa beans in 1575 100 cocoa beans enough for real and at the end of that century were 80 a penny.
Landownership
The supreme rulers (Ahau) gave land to his subjects, according to their rank and division of labor were granted plots of arable land by a family for their livelihoods, to pay tribute and to trade in an area to fill production capacity to meet the above requirements. Not to be confused for any reason with a communal system, since the land belonged to ahau, who could withdraw at any time and use it for their own purposes as personal property rather than ownership of the Mayan city-state rule.
Shipping
The shipping was very important in the development of trade and therefore its economy. His earliest boats were based rowing and sailing lacked. With these first boats coasted the Yucatan Peninsula and managed to leave the dangerous Barrier Reef lighthouse helping them indicating distances, hazards, as well as fishing trips. He also sailed on the rivers of Tabasco, Chiapas, Guatemala and Honduras. It is estimated that these vessels could carry twenty to forty people, including their wares. There is evidence that arrived in the lands of Honduras and may have come to Panama. First boats were adapted for sailing in fresh water, then were adapted to the sea, thanks to differentiate and made distinction between the bow and stern
Ground transportation
There was great diversity and complexity among the extensive networks of highways and roads. Are worthy of importance Sacbe'ob (Sacbe singular) meaning "white roads". In general, the construction of highways and roads were made through a whole series of laborious procedures. First, it was pruning the predetermined path, then with the aid of giant moles of stone, smoothing the ground. Subsequently covered with calcareous sand so that weeds do not obstruct the road, and finally, covered with stucco. UnSacbé well known is the one that communicates with Yaxuná Coba, and has one hundred miles away.
Although we know the wheel, only used in the development of craft toys representing animals were quadrupeds with a wheel on each leg. However, as indispensable to achieve an excellent transport vehicle, not the wheel itself, but the 'rays' or spoke of them. The lack of draft animals such does not explain why the lack of cars, much as the radios mentioned.
Major Maya peoples or nations
Among the Maya there were different tribes that were grouped according to their related production activities (such as Putun who were dedicated to fishing and maritime trade) or according to their clans and / or pedigrees (a notable example is the Cocom northeast of the Yucatan Peninsula). The best known tribes were:
Major jurisdictions Maya
In the Yucatan Peninsula:
 Itza probably acquired their name in honor of Itzamna (almost mythical character), as he guided to the Itza, Itzamna, in turn, means Heaven or Substance of the Clouds and Mist is considered the creator of the Mayan culture Peninsula. Oral tradition indicates that Itzamna (also called Itzamna) was the one who gave names to all things, discovered the medicinal properties of plants; invented the alphabet and hieroglyphs. At his death he was deified by his people, he erected several temples said to have been buried in the pyramids of Izamal.
According to the Chilam Balam of Chumayel, came from the south, in the year 435 founded the town of Siyancaan Bakhalal (Syan Caan, birth, and Bakhalal, place of reeds), today Bacalar. Experts believe that the findings of the archaeological site of Kohunlich, located 66 km from Chetumal, can rectify this date, as there are masks that show features and certain influences Olmecoid Teotihuacan. Although the earliest buildings date from the years 250 and 300, its builders had to remain there for hundreds of years, judging by the magnitude of the ceremonial plaza, like Teotihuacan, although much larger. Despite this, the relationship indicates that the Itza Chumayel remained Bakhalal 60 years, that in the period from 495 to 514 founded Chichen Itza, who left to reside in Champotón to 928-948, and, after a pilgrimage of 40 years, returned to Chichen, and with the mixture of cultures and chichimeca Toltec. We can find archaeological remains of this tribe in north and east of Campeche, central and northern Yucatan and northern Quintana Roo. Tayasal in Peten, Guatemala was the last capital.
 Xiu: They settled in the north-northeast of Campeche, Yucatan and north west of Quintana Roo. They went to the Yucatan Peninsula from Petén, founded the splendid city was deUxmal capital of his kingdom. Reached an age where there warred with the Itza of Chichen Itza until the prince came and put Kukulkan peace between tribes or kingdoms, founding the new capital of Mayapan (meaning flag of the Maya). His highlight was ruling Mekat Ah Xiu Tutul from Nonohual, was established in Uxmal in the span of 987 to 1007 and this, together with the Itza founded Mayapan League or Confederation, which included the manors of Chichen Itza, Uxmal, Mayapan Itzamal, Tulum, Ichpatún and others. This partnership existed from the period of 1175-1185 to 987-1007, then in 1194 left the Itza Chichen Itza to go back to settle in the Peten, under the war that made them Hunacc Ceel, head Cocom of Mayapan. It gives the date of the founding of Mayapan the year 1047 and the destruction of the 1254. This came to pass because, having fallen in love the lords or princes of Mayapan, Chichen Itza and the same girl, became the war, and Mayapan, aided by Mexica soldiers, destroyed Chichen and Izamal. Then the king of Uxmal took up arms against Mayapan, which occupied and ruled despotically city, destroying it in the end. A descendant of the last king of Mayapan was to found another place, he called Tibolón, which briefly ruled the Cocom, another Mayan tribe that met early sixteenth century Spanish explorers. The last descendants of the Xius settled in Mani, adopting it as the capital of chiefdom.
 Cocom: Established primarily in northern and northeastern Quintana Roo Yucatan. Coeat hegemony exercised until the period 1441-1461, when they were defeated by the descendants of the Itza, this time aided by Xius. Between 1461 and 1500 appeared chiefdoms, small domains without unity or common authority, whose populations were decimated by epidemics, hurricanes and wars that were made to each other, stimulated by the Xius irreconcilable rivalry and the Cocom. Its most prominent leader was Hunacc Ceel. The last descendants of the Cocom settled in Sotuta, adopting it as the capital of chiefdom.
 Putún: Some research indicates that came from Campeche and chiefdom called Champotón.
In Chiapas and Tabasco:
 Chontal: They settled in the plain of Tabasco known as The Chontalpa.
 Zoque: Chontalpa is localized in the Tabasco and saw, and in western and northern Chiapas.
 Tzotzil: They settled in central and eastern Chiapas.
 Tzeltal: They settled in central and eastern Chiapas.
 Tojolabal: Located in the jungle canyons of Chiapas and is spoken by 58,000 inhabitants.
 Lacandón: Its nucleus was the mythical Lacan-Tun in Chiapas (center and east).
In Guatemala: