Question

questions 7 through 9 refer to the following. one of the most important aspects of the maya economy was the exchange of exotic goods. maya rulers and elites needed such goods to maintain and reinforce their social status and power. many of these goods were used in the formal dress of kings, nobles, and priests. without them, the elites could not carry out the rituals that were their principal duties in the eyes of the people. jaguar pelts, fine textiles, feathers, and other such products were exchanged over long distances within the maya lowlands. such items were probably exchanged as dowry, gifts at royal marriages, coronations, funerals, or at religious pilgrimages. exotic goods were also probably given as tribute to rulers by their vassals. these high - status goods held together the maya world and unified patterns of behavior in religion, science, and warfare. their exchange surely went hand in hand with exchanges of information, including scientific knowledge, early writing, and most importantly, models of political organization. arthur demarest, united states anthropologist, ancient maya: the rise and fall of a rainforest civilization, 2004

1. which of the following does the author cite most directly to support his argument in the third paragraph about the importance of exotic goods in the maya region?

a. the existence of sophisticated astronomical tables
b. the emergence of a unified maya kingdom based on new political models
c. the emergence of new systems of writing based on earlier mesoamerican systems
d. the existence of unified patterns of behavior in warfare, science, and religion

Explanation:

The third - paragraph discusses how the exchange of exotic goods was important for the Maya rulers to maintain and reinforce their social status and power. It mentions that these goods were used in formal dress of kings, nobles, and priests, and were part of principal duties in the eyes of the people. This shows the significance of exotic goods in the social and power - related aspects of Maya society.

Answer:

No options are provided in the question for a specific answer. Please clarify the multiple - choice options for a more accurate response.