1. AZTEC SOCIETY
Mr. Ralston | Social Studies 8-Beginning of Chapter 8-pg

2. Aztec Society Highly Structured
Based on agriculture, trade and guided by religion.
Aztec societies dominated by Pyramids topped with temples where human sacrifices provided the gods with the human blood.

3. Towers devoted to the Gods
Sacrifice
Throwing Victims down Stairs

4. Aztec Society Hierarchical 3 Social Classes Pipiltin (Upper Class)
Macehualtin
(Commoners)
Mayeques
(Commoners)
Nobility
High Ranking Warriors
High Ranking Priests
Middle Class
Peasants
Tlacotin (Slaves)

5. The Division of Clans: Pipiltin Priests, Warriors & Nobles Commoners
Macehualtin & Mayeques

6. Nobility The Ruling class
Top positions in government, army and priesthood
Emperor was #1
Expected to conduct themselves exemplary way.
Punished more severely if they were disobedient.

7. Commoners Middle Class (Macehualtin)
Could improve status by gaining recognition in the military, becoming a priest, merchant, artisans or trader.
Warriors were seen as equals to the Nobility

8. Commoners Peasants (Mayeques) Worked land of the nobles
Built and maintained temples
Paid taxes and tribute. They could keep what was left over.

9. Commoners Tlacotin (Slaves) Lowest of the Low
Nobody born a slave – sold self if they could not afford to pay debts
Owners only owned the work they did
Slaves could buy back freedom

10. Priests Boys from all classes could study to become priests
Top Ranking positions reserved for The Pipiltin.
Most important job is to offer Human Sacrifice to the Gods
Men in priesthood did not marry
Women Priests received specific jobs worshiping goddesses

11. Gender Roles Women Cared for household and family
Could not have a position of power
Could do crafts, run business and control their own property
Received legal protection from marital abuse
If marriage ended women had automatic custody of children.

12. Gender Roles Men Children
Did physical work and were forced to join the army when soldiers were needed.
Children
Start work at roughly age 5
Girls married in mid-teens
Boys married in late teens/early twenties

13. Education
Free for all
Taught religious rituals, singing, dancing and music
Passed traditions from one generation to the next
Most information passed through stories
Separate schools for nobles and the Macehualtin.
Schooled from early teens till marriage.

14. Gender Roles in Education
Boys and Girls were taught separately!
Boys Learned
Occupational skills
History
Religious practices
Characteristics of good citizenship
Elements of warfare
How to be a warrior
Girls Learned
To manage households for their spouses
Spinning and weaving
Morality
Religion
History
Traditions