describe their merchants?
Not much is known about them, but it seems that at least some were members of the elite who engaged in long distance trade, while the majority belonged to the middle class largely involved in local or regional trade.
Maya civilization
Little is known of Maya merchants, although they are depicted on Maya ceramics in elaborate noble dress. From this, it is known that at least some traders were members of the elite. During the Contact period, it is known that Maya nobility took part in long distance trading expeditions. The majority of traders were middle class, but were largely engaged in local and regional trade rather than the prestigious long distance trading that was the preserve of the elite.
how far back can we trace the mayan culture As far as circa 2000 BC what period of history is that? The Archaic period where were they located? The civilization encompassed areas of south-eastern Mexico, all of Guatemala and Belize, and the western portions of Honduras and El Salvador. did they practice politics? Yes, there were states and chiefdoms which had fluctuating policies towards one another. did they have societies? The society was hierarchical with a sharp difference between the elite and the commoners. did they fight with each other? Yes, clashes were common between states and chiefdoms. what kind of warriors were they? Well trained, and in the Contact period, their armies were highly disciplined where warriors participated in regular training exercises and drills. did they practice trade as well? Yes, and control of trade routes or access to important trade goods contributed to the growth of cities.
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Maya civilization [SEP] Merchants
Little is known of Maya merchants, although they are depicted on Maya ceramics in elaborate noble dress. From this, it is known that at least some traders were members of the elite. During the Contact period, it is known that Maya nobility took part in long distance trading expeditions. The majority of traders were middle class, but were largely engaged in local and regional trade rather than the prestigious long distance trading that was the preserve of the elite. The travelling of merchants into dangerous foreign territory was likened to a passage through the underworld; the patron deities of merchants were two underworld gods carrying backpacks.