What were the architectural and artistic advancements in Maya societies?
The Maya tended to lay their cities out in plaza groups. Residential areas radiated out from the cities center, with important structures in the middle. Maya temples were tall, thick stone structures with overarching wooden beams. Temples were built with astronomy in mind and were aligned with Venus, the sun and the moon. Ball courts were also in the center of the city ( Ten facts about the Mayan Civilization). During their time period, home size depended on wealth. Basic Maya home structure was a low roofed shack made of sticks, stones and mud. Mayan temples were constructed by peasant labor. Mayan architecture flourished during the classic period and most advances were made during that time(Kellen, Stewart: The Maya )(Thinkquest).
Were the Maya one unified empire, or multiple city states?
The Maya were not one giant empire, but multiple city states. They were culturally a nation, but remained politically separate.( Indians.org) Most cities were symmetrical in their setup. All Maya nations had the same beliefs, but city states were often at war with each other because of their political differences. They formed military alliances based on who they want for ruler. All city states had different rulers and laws, dividing them politically.(The Maya)