Halach Uinic Effect On Mayan Society

Maya society was no different than any other society around world during this time period. Their society was broken into a class structure, which followed how other civilizations were. You had the ruling class, the nobility (“almehenob”), the priesthood (“ahkinob”) and often scribes would be at this level as well, the common folk (“ah chembal uinieol”), and of course, the slaves (“pencatob”).
The most powerful of the ruling elite was known as the “halach uinic” or “true man,” which makes a fifth class in some cases.
The halach uinic (Chief or King) was a hereditary position that was typically passed from father to eldest son. Really no different than the customs practiced in Europe and Asia. However, when no suitable heir was available,

Of this class of nobles, the halach uinic would select provincial managers or governors that were known as “batabs.” These batabs assisted the ruling halach uinic with local governments and would see to the required payment of tributes (taxes) to the ruler(s).
During the Maya Classic Period, the typical small kingdom (ajawil, ajawlel, ajawlil) was ruled by a hereditary ruler called an “Ajaw” (later “k’uhul Ajaw”). An Ajaw or Ahau ('Lord') is a political title attested from the epigraphic inscriptions of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization.
Ajaw is also the 20th named day on the tzolk'in (divinatory calendar) when an Ajaw's (ruler) was required to fulfill the k'atun-ending rituals. These rituals fell upon the leader and required ritualistic self sacrifice, usually in the form of blood letting.
The use and meaning of "Ajaw" was used generically for "lord", "ruler", "king" or "leader", which meant any of the leading or ruling class of nobles. However, it was not limited to a single individual, as rule of a given was sometimes shared. Additionally, because the Ajaw performed religious activities, the title was not only given to the ruler, but also to a designated member of the locality or city-state's