The halach uinic was the ruler of a city-state in the Maya empire.
The Mayas believed that he was a living god, and he ruled until his death.
Some historians think that he served as the high priest during religious ceremonies.
Maya merchants, or ppolm, were highly respected.
Maya society was rigidly divided between nobles, commoners, serfs, and slaves.
Today, the halach uinic is similar to a state's governor.
However, governors are not seen as gods and do not rule until death.