The Mayans were skilled traders and farmers, which led to their impressive economic achievements. In smaller Mayan cities, a free-market system allowed people to trade various goods openly. The most crucial crop for the Mayans was maize, which they relied on heavily for food. To grow enough maize, they depended on rainfall-based agriculture. In addition to farming, the Mayans created beautiful art and crafts from valuable materials like gold, jade, copper, and obsidian. They also built long stone roads known as sacbe that connected their cities, making it easier for them to trade with one another. These trade routes and agricultural practices were key to the prosperity of Mayan society.