Mexico in the Post Classic Aztec Part I “Rags to Riches”

Feathered shield. This one artifact provides clues to social structure, technology, trade, symbolism, and war of the Aztec.

Terms (refer to page 428) ► Aztec: all ethnic groups claiming descent from fabled Atzlan. ► Nahua: linguistic subdivision of Uto-Aztecan language. ► Nahuatl: dialect of Nahua spoken in Central highlands of Mexico. ► Mexica: Aztec ethnic group settled in Tenochitlan.

Before the Aztec ► Scholars uncertain, but most suggest important demographic changes in the centuries after the Mayan decline. ► Environmental changes brought disruption of cultural developments. ► Population movements affected the dynamic of settlement.

Post classic (around AD ) ► Northern regions of Mexico disconnected from events and developments elsewhere in Meso America. Tarascans share only a limited amount of cultural traits with the rest of Mexico and Meso America, but do have a few common beliefs. ► Old trade networks in decay or completely broken down.

► Aztec fame overshadows that of neighbors and other regional developments. ► In the north and West Mexico the Tarascan State evolved in the region of Michoacan. ► Tarascans were a highly developed militaristic state (never defeated by Aztec). ► Aztecs sought a buffer between themselves and the Tarascans.

West Mexico compared to South ► Similarities include: human sacrifice, veneration of mountains and caves, serpents and butterflies. ► Differences include: no ball courts, no concept of duality, a limited calendar, and different gods and goddesses. Separate language base.

Controversy ► Were cultures of Mexico in contact with societies in North America around AD 1000? ► No direct contact evident. Indirect influence is possible. Some style similarities and at least one artifact provide positive evidence of links through long distance trade.

Back to Mexico ► Mexica tribe: small hunter-gatherer band in central Mexico 12th century AD. ► Surrounded by other warrior states. ► Federation in 14th century allowed for more political and military strength. By acting first as mercenaries for other groups they gradually acquired land and power.

► We can reconstruct Aztec life and history from five sources: ethnographic, ethnohistoric, contemporary books (such as Codex Mendoza or the accounts of Bernal Diaz), and archaeology. ► Aztec legends are a valid data source, but must be carefully filtered to “read past the propaganda,” just as with Spanish accounts.

► Retreat to swamps for defensive posture. ► Refuge from stronger neighbors. ► Island built up from reeds. Linked to mainland by causeways. ► Canal system ► “Floating” gardens

Simple Chronology ► Arrive in Central Mexico: approx AD 1100 ► Established homeland at Lake Texcoco AD 1325 ► Overthrew allies AD 1428 ► Moctezuma I forms Triple Alliance:1431 ► Construction of major temples in cycle: 1299, 1351,1403,1455,1507 ► Moctezumea II came to power 1502

Tenochitlan ► Early construction in 14th century. ► Regularly rebuilt and enlarged at specific intervals based on calendar or reign of new king. ► Water brought in to city by aqueducts. ► One of the greatest cities ever built in all human history.

► Through military adventures and shrewd alliances Aztec became most powerful empire of Mexico within three centuries. ► Economy based on agriculture and tribute. ► Alliances helped maintain buffer zones.

Templo Major in digital reconstruction.

18th century impression of Conquistadors invading Aztec capital.

Social Structure Military Theocracy

Social organization ► Calpulli: in some respects similar to clan in that social groups are related through decent from a (mythical ?) lineage. ► Strict laws ► Patrilineal society ► Hierarchical social differentiation. ► Land ownership was distributive, not individual

► King elected from Royal family. Nobles, knights and priests voted. ► Every able bodied commoner was eligible for duty as a warrior. Warriors could advance to the nobility through recognized bravery or success in battle.

Elite Eagle Knight

► Several socio/economic classes  Priests, knights, merchants, crafts guilds, commoners ► At the bottom were the bondsmen (mayeques). Chlidren of slaves were not slaves themselves. ► Children attended schools segregated by sex.

Law and Order ► No need for prisons as most crimes were punished by death or slavery. ► Members of Royal family were not above the law.

Religion