According to Joseph Allen, the archaeological record at Uxmal (in Yucatan, Mexico) states that during the Early Classic Period (A.D. 200-A.D. 350) the dominant group was a hereditary elite which emerged in the last century before Christ. Its authority extended throughout all aspects of social life, but in particular they were representatives or mediators between the community and the divine or supernatural forces, utilizing magical/religious means. This group controlled the knowledge of the times . . . much of which determined social behavior. (Uxmal 1986:32) This "hereditary elite" might have been the same people who are called "kingmen" or "those of high birth" who rose up in the "last century before Christ" in the Book of Mormon. Notice in Alma 51:8 it says, "Now those who were in favor of kings were those of high birth, and they sought to be kings; and they were supported by those who sought power and authority over the people." [Joseph L. Allen, Exploring the Lands of the Book of Mormon, p. 392] [See the commentary on Alma 51:8]
4 Nephi 1:26 They began to be divided into classes ([Illustration]): An artist's display of social strata in Maya society, around A.D. 600-700, uses a pyramid format to show the ranks or classes . . . [John L. Sorenson, Images of Ancient America, p. 81]