1. The Aztec Society

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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?

9. 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

10. Watch it – Aztec Laws
Aztec Laws:
What did this tell us about Aztec Laws & Punishment?
Aztec Slave Laws:
What does this tell us about Slave Laws? How does society view them?

11. 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

12. Analyze it – Aztec Society
Source 1

13. Analyze it – Aztec Society
Source 2

14. Analyze it – Aztec Society
Source 3

15. Analyze it – Aztec Society
Source 4

16. Analyze it – Aztec Society
Source 5