Priests played an important role in Mayan government, ruling cities and performing rituals in massive temples. Only priests and the king were allowed in temples. Lord Pacal was one of the most famous Mayan rulers, taking the throne at age 12 and ruling for 50 years. The Mayans had a structured society and daily routines divided along gender lines, with women preparing meals and men farming or hunting. Farming was a major part of the economy, with irrigation canals bringing water to crops. Mayan religion centered around nature gods and involved human sacrifice to the gods.