Aztec Life Mainly agrarian people, or farming people Divided into nobles and commoners Nobles made up 5 to 10% of population Slaves were the lowest class Slaves could marry, own property, and buy their freedom if they could afford All Aztec children went to school for at least a few years

Economics Commeners life mainly consisted of farming and household duties Others were artisans and traders though Artisans and traders held a respected position in society

Aztec Rule Aztec states were led by a powerful king The king was from a royal family, but was chosen by a council of nobles New kings had to go to war to prove his military skills and win a tribute The kings had four military advisors and one prime minister Judges, clerks, and tax collectors were under royal advisors They maintained control through war, tribute, and sacrifice

Religious Beliefs Tribute was essential to Aztec rule Government and religion were closely linked They worshiped hundreds of Gods Huitzilopochtli was most important god, kept the sun in the sky, brought success in battle Aztecs believed he would become weak without human sacrifice The supreme God was called Tezcatlipoca

Ritual Sacrifice They sacrificed thousands of victims each year They cut out their hearts and offered them to the Gods Used stone calendars to plan sacrifices Human sacrifice was a form of political control Victims were prisoners of war

Aztec Stone Calendar