Cylindrical Vase with Monkey Head Handles and Figure of a Merchant, A.D. 800-1200. Peripheral Mayan Culture, Honduras. Polychromed earthenware: 12" x 9" x 6" (diameter at base). Bequest of Elizabeth Huth Coates THE ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT esoamerican urban societies developed active economies based on agriculture, warfare, and trade. Most Mesoamericans were farmers and their labor provided the economic foundations for the entire society. Ritual warfare expanded economies as conquerers exacted tributes paid in goods and services. A merchant class traded the great variety of goods produced by specialists. Merchants were regarded as ambassadors and often travelled under the protection of warriors.						1 of 3   Economic