The religion and government of the Maya were very closely connected. The Maya believed in many gods and goddesses who controlled different parts of their lives, like the rain, the sun, and the corn they grew. Because of this, the Maya thought it was really important to keep the gods happy.
The leaders of the Maya, like kings and priests, were often the same people. The kings were not just rulers; they were also seen as important religious figures. They would perform ceremonies to honor the gods and ask them for good things, like good harvests and victory in battles.
When there was a big event, like building a temple or celebrating a festival, the king would lead the people in rituals. This made the king very powerful because the people believed he could talk to the gods and bring blessings to the community. So, in the Maya civilization, the government and religion worked together to help the people and keep the society running smoothly.