Early Classic Cities of the Maya

The early Classic cities included the small but important site of Cerros and the very influential city of Tikal; astronomy, heavenly alignments and their association with kingly rituals were already dominate features of their societies. With its large population Tikal became a metropolis and its powerful rulers dominated the surrounding area economically, politically and militarily. The city controlled large geographical areas, including many smaller satellite cities. Tikal’s major role within an active trading network linked the city with other important Maya and Mexican trade centers.