Mayan History - Trade And Economy During Mayan Civilization

The Mayans had a complex system of trade and economy in their entire history. In fact, contrary to early assertions, the Mayans clearly had strong commercial connections with other Mesoamerican cultures from all over South and Central america. See Mayan History here.

Initially, this trade network began as a linear route that ran from the Guatemala up to Mexico during the Preclassic period (around 2000 BC to 300 AD). Depending on the political and economic necessities, this trading network would change as time passes. Major cities such as Kaminaljuyu and Tak'alik Ab'aj are among the major trading hubs of the Mayan trade route. See Mayan ruins here.

The Development Of The Mayan Trading Networks.

These trading networks became successful due to favorable trading relationships with their neighbors as well as expertise in particular trading goods. By and large, it was the availability of resources among trading partners and the expansion of merchant class which lead to the emergence of specialized aspect of trading relationships.

Naturally, the extensive trade carried out by the Mayans would precipitate an increase in knowledge transfer with their neighbors. Considering this, it was only a short period of time before the Mayan literature, mathematics and astronomic knowledge would be imparted to many other Mesoamerican cultures and tribes.

Turquoise, Jade And Also Other Luxurious Materials

The Mayans would usually barter or trade their most valued items like Obsidian, Turquoise and Jade. The Mayans believed that Jade possesses the sacred powers beneficial to rulers which lead them to consider Jade as a valued trade item. On the other hand, Turquoise was believed by the Mayans to be a substance held dear by the Mayan gods and was thought to be associated with smoke.

The Mayans also value gems as well as other green colored items because they were regarded as a mystical link to their gods along with their semi-divine rulers.

Traders And Trade - How They Affect The Mayan Society

Over time, a large class of merchants eventually made due to the reasonably immense Mayan commerce network. These sellers would inevitably become part of the middle class, alongside artisans and other specialists who helped boost the demand for even more commerce and production within Mayan society.

The Mayans are free to carry out large scale trade with its neighbors, to traveling from one point of the Mayan trade network to a different one. Merchant wares were transported through hired porters, taking into consideration the absence of the wheel and even pack animals in Mesoamerica.

Salt, cotton, vanilla, obsidian and cacao are among the most common goods the Mayans traded. Several other resources such as Pyrite, Quartz, Magnatite, Clay and Cinnabar were also widely traded for use to be able to make mirrors, arms, dyes, ceramics and clothing.

A lot of these products were part of daily Mayan life, so much in fact that even salt and also chocolate were regarded as basic goods by even the lower classes of society. A few other goods that are exchanged, yet which were not always utilized for producing any certain type of product were Jaguar skins, Quetzal feathers, Shells, Macaw feathers along with many other animal furs. Like Jade and Obsidian, these furs were utilized most commonly for decoration or accessory by the upper class to be able to represent their rank and social position.

The Significance Of Trade

The Mayans and its civilization depended on trade. Basically, one of the primary explanations why the Mayan civilization collapsed was simply because its trade routes fell apart. The loss of trade brought on an erosion of success, which ultimately contributed to the fall of Mayan society.

In conclusion, the Mayans achieved positive results tremendously due to commerce. It was the source of exquisite items such as Jade and Turquoise for the upper classes. Trade provided commoners with Obsidian and Salt for their work and daily needs respectively. When there is an increase in trade same goes with the power of the merchants, who subsequently contributed to the success of Mayan civilization through their very end.