By Sophie and Chloe

The Aztecs, who probably originated as a nomadic tribe in northern Mexico, arrived in Mesoamerica around the beginning of the 13th century. From their magnificent capital city, Tenochtitlan, the Aztecs emerged as the dominant force in central Mexico, developing an intricate social, political, religious and commercial organization that brought many of the region's city-states under their control by the 15th century.

 The Aztec had noble slaves.  Slaves were not captured people.  They were Aztecs  In the Aztec world there were two ways you could become a slave.  The slave in Aztec times were treated as a au pair in these days.  In the Aztec world, there were two ways you could become a slave. You could become a slave as punishment for a crime you had committed. You could be voluntarily sold into slavery to pay family debts. These were the only two ways.

 Sons of the Upper Class: One school was for the nobles, and sons of wealthy traders and merchants. This school taught law, writing (hieroglyphics), medicine, engineering and building, interpretations of dreams and omens, and self- expression. Students were taught how to speak well. They also learned details of their history and of their religious beliefs. This was a tough school. The boys were humiliated and despised to toughen them up.  Sons of Commoners: One school was for the commoners. Its main goal was to train warriors and farmers.  Unlike the school for nobles’ sons, this school was pretty peaceful. Boys had to sleep under skimpy blankets. They were given hard bread to eat. But that was about it.  Like the school for nobles' sons, this school taught history, religion, manners, correct behavior, and important rituals, along with singing and dancing.

 Marriage: At about age 20, men married women who were ages A man could have more than one wife as long as he could support her. Weddings were arranged, usually with the help of a matchmaker.  Matchmakers were usually old women. The bride’s family gave a party for three or four days before the wedding. The day of the wedding, the bride rode piggyback on the matchmaker to her new home. There, while they were wearing them, in the front the hearth (the fireplace), the bride and grooms coats were tied together. From that point on, they were married. Matchmakers  New Babies: The birth of a baby was a really big deal. The Aztecs welcomed all life. The birth of a boy or a girl was celebrated. This was true for nobles and commoners.