own system of dating, at any rate with any degree of certainty, for the reason that the position of their starting-point, 4. ahau, 8. cumhu, is not fixed. But this is a subject to which I shall return later (p. 360.) As in Mexico, so among the Maya, the importance of the calendar from the religious point of view, and the close connection between religion and agriculture, gave the priesthood enormous influence throughout the country. According to Landa, a high-priest of the Yucatec was called Ahkin Mai, or Ahaukan Mai; his office was hereditary, and he was succeeded in it by a son or near relation. A less exalted rank was held by the Chilan, or oracular priests, who declared the will of the gods, and performed the functions of diviners and doctors. As might be expected, these functionaries enjoyed great respect, and rarely went abroad except in a litter. The Nacon were officials whose duties were partly sacerdotal and partly military. In their first capacity, as the sacrificing priests, they held office perpetually, but there was also a military aspect to this office, since the commander of the fighting forces was elected from among the Nacon, and held the position for three years. Other priests, who performed definite functions as assistants in certain ceremonies, were called Chac, and seem to have been to some extent the representatives of the Bacabs, since four officiated at once. Priests generally were called Ahkin, and the local clergy were nominated by the high-priest after examination in ritual and “science,” i.e. divination, writing and calendrical interpretation. The priesthood at large educated candidates for admission to their order, including also the younger sons of chiefs, who often “entered the church.” They lived in buildings close to the temples, and there were similar religious houses for the accommodation of celibate “nuns” who were under the protection of a “mother superior.” Any lapse from chastity on their part was punished with death, but any of the inmates might leave the establishment by permission and marry, just as in Mexico. It is probable that the buildings other than temples which survive in the ruined cities are either the residences of princes or religious establishments of this nature.