Which of the following accurately lists the Mayan social classes?

The correct response reflects the hierarchical structure of Mayan society, which was complex and tiered, consisting of several distinct social classes. In Mayan society, the king (or ruler) stood at the top of the social hierarchy, followed closely by the nobles, who were typically landowners or those with significant influence. Below the nobles were the priests, who played a critical role in religious life, overseeing rituals, ceremonies, and the maintenance of the calendar, which was central to agricultural practices.

Merchants were also significant within this structure, as they facilitated trade not only within the city-states but also with distant cultures, thereby contributing to the economic vitality of Mayan society. Finally, peasants formed the largest class, primarily engaged in agriculture to sustain the population. They worked the land and provided food for all classes, which made their role essential to the functioning of the state.

This answer captures the key classes in the Mayan social structure, outlining the relationships and functions of each group within the context of their civilization, while the other options do not present a comprehensive or accurate representation of this hierarchy.