aztec social structure
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AZTEC SOCIETYAZTEC SOCIETYMr. Ralston | Social Studies 8-Beginning of Chapter 8-pg 262-268
Aztec Society Highly Structured Based on agriculture,
trade and guided by religion.
Aztec societies dominated by Pyramids topped with temples where human sacrifices provided the gods with the human blood.
Sacrifice
Throwing Victims down Stairs
Towers devoted to the Gods
Aztec Society Hierarchical
3 Social Classes
Pipiltin
(Upper Class)
Macehualtin
(Commoners)
Mayeques
(Commoners)
• Nobility
• High Ranking Warriors
• High Ranking Priests
• Middle Class • Peasants
• Tlacotin (Slaves)
The Division of Clans:
Pipiltin
Priests,
Warriors
& Nobles
Commoners
Macehualtin & Mayeques
Nobility The Ruling class Top positions in
government, army and priesthood
Emperor was #1 Expected to conduct
themselves exemplary way.
Punished more severely if they were disobedient.
Commoners Middle Class
(Macehualtin) Could improve status by
gaining recognition in the military, becoming a priest, merchant, artisans or trader.
Warriors were seen as equals to the Nobility
Commoners Peasants (Mayeques)
Worked land of the nobles Built and maintained temples Paid taxes and tribute. They could keep what was left
over.
CommonersTlacotin (Slaves) Lowest of the Low Nobody born a slave –
sold self if they could not afford to pay debts
Owners only owned the work they did
Slaves could buy back freedom
Priests Boys from all classes could
study to become priests Top Ranking positions
reserved for The Pipiltin. Most important job is to offer
Human Sacrifice to the Gods Men in priesthood did not
marry Women Priests received
specific jobs worshiping goddesses
Gender Roles
Could do crafts, run business and control their own property
Received legal protection from marital abuse
If marriage ended women had automatic custody of children.
Women Cared for household and family Could not have a position of power
Gender Roles Men
Did physical work and were forced to join the army when soldiers were needed.
Children Start work at roughly age 5 Girls married in mid-teens Boys married in late teens/early twenties
Education Free for all Taught religious rituals, singing,
dancing and music Passed traditions from one generation to
the next Most information passed through stories
Separate schools for nobles and the Macehualtin.
Schooled from early teens till marriage.
Gender Roles in Education Boys and Girls were taught
separately!
Boys Learned
Occupational skills History Religious practices Characteristics of good citizenship Elements of warfare How to be a warrior
Girls Learned
To manage households for their spouses Spinning and weaving MoralityReligionHistoryTraditions