What evidence exists for the political organization and social stratification of Maya civilization in Belize?

The evidence for the political organization and social stratification of Maya civilization in Belize is primarily archaeological, supplemented by ethnohistorical sources.

1. Archaeological Evidence: The Maya civilization left behind numerous archaeological sites in Belize, including Caracol, Lamanai, and Xunantunich. These sites contain structures such as palaces, temples, and plazas that indicate a complex political organization. For example, the presence of large public buildings and spaces suggests a centralized authority that could mobilize the labor and resources necessary for their construction.

2. Hieroglyphic Inscriptions: Many Maya sites in Belize feature hieroglyphic inscriptions that provide information about the civilization's political organization. These inscriptions often record the deeds of rulers and other elites, suggesting a hierarchical society with a ruling class that held significant power.

3. Burial Sites and Artifacts: The Maya civilization also left behind burial sites and artifacts that provide evidence of social stratification. For instance, some individuals were buried with elaborate grave goods, indicating their high status in society. In contrast, others were buried with few or no grave goods, suggesting a lower status.

4. Ethnohistorical Sources: Ethnohistorical sources, such as accounts by Spanish colonizers and missionaries, also provide evidence of the political organization and social stratification of the Maya civilization in Belize. These sources describe a society with a king at the top, followed by a nobility and a commoner class.

5. Settlement Patterns: The distribution and size of Maya settlements in Belize also suggest a complex political organization and social stratification. Larger sites with more monumental architecture are thought to have been political and economic centers, while smaller sites were likely subordinate to these centers.

In conclusion, the evidence for the political organization and social stratification of the Maya civilization in Belize is multifaceted, including archaeological remains, hieroglyphic inscriptions, burial practices, ethnohistorical sources, and settlement patterns.