Recap on Aztec civilization Social structure and Religion

Important highlights from last lecture Aztec society was marked by inequality. People were not treated equally. There was a clear distinction between nobility and commoners. Dress code, land grants and public honors reflected the social status. Social structure in Aztec society was rather fixed. It was not possible to improve your social status.

Aztec women were not visible in public sphere. Were primarily responsible for domestic duties (childcare and house chores). Could not inherit property.

Religion Human sacrifice was a common religious ritual in Aztec civilization. Human sacrifice was believed to be necessary for sustaining the world. Priests would also engage in bloodletting as sign of sacrifice.

Sample Questions Answer the following questions Provide evidence/support to your answer with the reading material.

Essay Question Q1: What do we know about the social class/structure of the Aztec society? What group would you want to belong to and Why? Explain the reason for your answer and support your answer with the reading.

Essay Question Q2: In your opinion, how are Aztec women similar or different from the women of a traditional society today? Hint: Traditional Society---(where clearly different roles exist for men and women).

Multiple choice questions Aztec engaged in human sacrifice regularly because they: Found it to be entertaining Believed it was necessary for continuation of the world. They believed it was the best way to punish people.

Multiple choice question 2. The original home land of the Aztecs was Texcoco Tenochtitlan Aztlan Mexico city

Multiple choice questions. 3. __________ would oversee the ritual of human sacrifice. The Ruler The Nobility The Women The Priests.

Multiple choice questions 4. Codices are: Collection of interviews done by the Spanish invaders. Collection of mythological statues by the Spanish. Collection of pictures representing family history and mythology by the Aztecs. Collection of pictures drawn by the Spanish.

True or False Very poor people in Aztec civilization were not required to pay tribute. Aztecs believed in one god. Toltecs built Tenochtitlan. Aztecs were peace loving people and kept a distance from war and conflict.

Homework Read “Cross-cultural Encounter: The Spanish in the Americas” Pp. 462-464.

Link for documentary about the Aztecs http://www.youtube.com/watch v=tP2HHYQjN7E