The surplus of food allowed the Mayan population to grow significantly. This growth led to the development of larger cities and increased social complexity.
Urbanization:
As the population grew, the Mayans began to build larger and more complex cities. These cities were centers of trade, administration, and religious ceremonies.
Social Stratification:
The surplus of food also led to the development of a social hierarchy in Mayan society. The elite class, which consisted of priests, nobles, and warriors controlled the surplus food and had access to the best resources. The common people, who made up the majority of the population, worked in agriculture and other manual labor jobs.
Expansion of Trade:
The surplus of food allowed the Mayans to trade with other civilizations. They traded their agricultural products for luxury goods, such as jade, obsidian, and feathers.
Religious and Cultural Development:
The surplus of food also supported the development of Mayan religious and cultural practices. The Mayans built large temples and pyramids, and they developed a complex system of writing and mathematics.