Aztecs Chapter 8For the Good of the People

Program of Studies Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding– 8.3.4 critically assess how the Aztecs

were affected by the Spanish worldview by exploring and reflecting upon the following questions and issues: What were the key elements of the worldview of

the Aztec civilization prior to contact with the Spanish? How did the Aztec civilization’s worldview influence

its choices, decisions and customs?

Aztec Social Hierarchy

How did the structure of the Aztec society tell us what was important to the Aztec people?

http://history.missouristate.edu/jchuchiak/Webpage%20Images/HST%20397--Theme%2023--Aztec_social_hierarchy.htm

Aztec Social Hierarchy

No matter what class you were born into, you could rise in the ranks to nobility

Warriors could rise to the greatest levels even if they were only a poor peasant to begin– Then, you could become emperor because

they were chosen from the nobles

The Emperor

Read page 171 Moctezuma was emperor when the

Spanish arrived He had the title of “Great Speaker”

– Treated like a god, obeyed without question– Commander of the army– Head of state– Chief Priest

The Emperor

http://en.epochtimes.com/news_images/2006-1-13-aztecheaddress.gif

http://northernblue.org/tmach/globalmiles/06jun/jun30montezuma.jpghttp://www.archaeologyonline.net/indology/herman-cortes-montezuma.jpg

Family Clans

Organized into units called Calpolli (Call-POLE-lee)– Live in the same neighbourhood and

worshipped at same temple– Could be based on the work that people did Goldsmiths could make up one, feather makers,

etc. Elected a captain and council Assigned land and houses to its residents

Merchants

Made up richest calpolli in Tenochtitlan– Trading expeditions– Brought back luxuries, goods, and acted as

spies– Helped for planning during war– Sold goods in the markets– Paid taxes on their profits

tarlton.law.utexas.edu/rare/aztec/Property.htm

Farmers

Skilled hunters and fishers, as well as growing crops– Sold in the market as well as keeping for

themselves– Gave up a share of their produce in taxes– Useful service that helped state to survive– Helped with projects for state

http://www.mexicolore.co.uk/index.php?one=azt&two=hea

Artisans

Demand for finer things in life– Clothes, art, gold, jewelery, etc.– Mask makers, goldsmiths, and feather

workers– Quetzal birds were in high demand Only members of nobility could wear the feather Sacred feathers, associated with Quetzalcoatl Obtained by tribute as well

http://www.allposters.com/-sp/Aztec-Artisans-Dyeing-Feathers-from-an-Account-of-Aztec-Crafts-in-Central-Mexico-Mid-16th-Century-Posters_i1742274_.htm

Aztec Education- CalmecacWhat they studied in their schools

– Astronomy/Astrology– Mathematics– Reading– Writing– Music– Law– Calendar

What they trained to be (careers)

– Generals in the army– Judges– Priests– Scribes– High government

officials– Diplomats– Teachers

Other schools for Aztecs

Military training– All boys were trained to be warriors– Serve as a servant for soldier to follow army– At 18: became an active warrior

For commoners– Called “telpochcalli” Did not need to learn to read and write Oral lessons Music, physical labor (for boys), and home skills

(for girls)

Other schools for Aztecs (cont.)

Educating Aztec women– Little political power, but had a good

education Every girl regardless of rank attended school Around 16 she was married Some women went to army as doctors and healers Some were priestesses Some were matchmakers or midwives

http://www.freewebs.com/fairypage/aztec%20women1.jpg

Aztec Society

Focused on producing good citizens– Part of the young

person’s education

Courage Self-sacrifice Modesty Clean Living Obedience

Aztecs were expected to show courage and deal with hardships without complaining, because it made the army strong.

The group was considered more important than the individual. Every Aztec had to be willing to sacrifice possessions, comfort, even life itself for the good of society.

No one, not even the greatest warrior, was to boast about personal achievements or do anything else to stand out from the crowd.

People had to keep themselves healthy and avoid over-indulging in food and drink. The Aztecs punished harshly what they considered evil behaviour.

Everyone had to obey superiors without question, because this helped preserve the social order.

Virtues of ideal Aztec Citizen

Laws and Lawmaking

Had written laws– Reminded people of their responsibilities as citizens– Nobles and the emperor were required to obey the

laws too– Nobles were actually often judged harsher because

they set a good example for others– Could appeal decisions from lower court to the high

court and even to the emperor– Aztecs did not have prisons, so the punishment was

often serious (slavery or fines for lesser crimes, theft and murder was a death sentence)

Slavery

http://www.sbceo.k12.ca.us/~vms/carlton/Renaissance/Aztecs/Slavery.jpg

Slavery

Aztec slaves performed necessary work!– Laws protected them as well– If they were beaten to death, the noble could

be executed– If the slaves could escape from the slave

marketplace and run to the emperor’s palace, they won their freedom 1. Not shameful to be a slave (just bad luck) 2. Not permanent (children born to slaves were

free)