The Aztec Society

Draw It - Social Hierarchy Pyramid Emperor Nobility and Priests Merchants, Artisans, Soldiers Farmers, Fishers, Women Slaves

Draw It - Social Hierarchy Pyramid The Emperor was at the top of the Aztec social hierarchy. He was treated like a god. He was chief priest, commander of the army, and head of the state. As commander of the army he had to be a skilled fighter, as head of state he had to make important decisions and as chief priest he lead religious and other ceremonies.

Draw It - Social Hierarchy Pyramid Nobles were in the next highest position underneath the emperor. They made up about 10-15% of the population. They held most of the political power and wealth even though the emperor made the final choice. Nobles worked as scribes, government officials, and teachers. Nobles could become priests. They studied reading, which was their training. The priests helped the Emperor in religious ceremonies, like sacrifice.

Draw It - Social Hierarchy Pyramid The Artisans were also known as Artists in the Aztec time. Provided clothes, art, gold & jewellery Mask makers, goldsmiths, and feather workers Merchants were very important because they earned money for the society. Went on trading expeditions Brought back luxuries, goods, and acted as spies Sold goods in markets Paid taxes based on their profits The Aztec soldiers fought in their wars Men were the soldiers and went to war at age 15. Main job was to capture enemies for human sacrifice.

Draw It - Social Hierarchy Pyramid Farmers Were skilled hunters & Fishers, as well as grew crops. One of the more important individuals because they paid taxes. They sold what they caught to earn money for income for their families. The Aztec farmers also grew their crops for the society and shared their produce. Women were not part of politics, but stilled received a good education. Women got married at 16 and taught their own children, until the children were old enough to go to school. They could be priestesses, doctors and healers in war, matchmakers and midwifes.

Draw It - Social Hierarchy Pyramid The slaves served the Nobles, and the Emperor by doing many different tasks for them. The slaves performed much necessary works. The slaves had to run to the Emperors palace from the market, to earn their freedom. They performed tasks like chores, and gardening. It was NOT shameful to be a slave.

Draw It - Social Hierarchy Pyramid Society was based on clans called Calpolli Could be built around family Or similar jobs (ex: Feather workers) The emperor was seen as God-like The Aztecs did not see slaves as “bad” but that was just their job. Anyone who wasn’t a Noble belong to the Commoner Class What similarities/differences do you see with the Feudal Hierarchy of Medieval Europe?

Sort It – Aztec Citizenship Courage Self-Sacrifice Modesty Clean Living Obedience Deal with hardships without complaining Do not run away from a fight The group > than the individual Be willing to give up possessions Be willing to give up life Always put society first No boasting Do not stand out from the crowd Do not brag about achievements in battle Keep yourself healthy Avoid overindulging in food & drink Do not act in an evil manner Listen to your superiors No not question those above you Follow the emperors every decision

Watch it – Aztec Laws Aztec Laws: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvWhXIdiPiw What did this tell us about Aztec Laws & Punishment? Aztec Slave Laws: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmFanya2o38 What does this tell us about Slave Laws? How does society view them?

Compare It – Aztec Education Calmecac Telpochcalli For commoners Learned via spoken word Focused on hard labor & family trade education Learned many different subjects, including: history, religion, citizenship For Nobles Focused on reading & writing Learned many different subjects, including: Math, astronomy, & music Prepared them for jobs in: Generals, Judges, priests, government officials, etc. Girls & boys Educated at home as well Age 10-15 Learned Music

Analyze it – Aztec Society Source 1

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