Which of the following best describes the role of elite women in Mesoamerican societies?

The role of elite women in Mesoamerican societies was significant and complex, often allowing them to hold positions of power and influence. Unlike many other contemporary societies, elite women in Mesoamerica were not confined solely to domestic roles; they could own land, engage in political alliances, and sometimes even rule as queens or leaders in their own right. For example, in cultures such as the Maya and the Aztec, elite women often participated in rituals, held property, and could inherit status from their family lineage. This capacity for power and influence is a defining characteristic of elite women's roles in these societies, setting them apart from lower-status women who had more restricted roles focused primarily on domestic responsibilities and labor.

In contrast, focusing on agriculture or being primarily homemakers does not capture the broader scope of influence that elite women could exercise. Additionally, the assertion that elite women had no societal roles disregards the historical evidence of their active participation in political and social spheres, which was a notable aspect of Mesoamerican culture.