Chapter 8-Aztecs Flashcards
What was the Aztec Social Hierarchy? (top to bottom)
Emperor —> Nobility & Priests —> Merchants, Artisans, Soldiers —> Farmers, Fishers, Women —> Slaves
How did the Aztecs show respect to their emperor?
Obeying without failure
Giving every possible privilege and luxury
Spectacular living conditions
What where the emperors three responsibilities?
Chief Priest
Head of State
Commander in Cheif
What were the calpollis?
They were neighbor hoods were people of the same job or class lived and they worshipped the same temple
What did the councils in the calpollis do?
The captain and the council were elected by the people living their. The council assigned land and houses to families living their. They also collected taxes and kept the neighbourhood clean.
Describe the merchant class.
The merchants made up the richest calpolli in Tenochititlan.
Went on trading expeditions into the far corners of the Aztec empire
They brought back prized goods and acted as spies for the Aztecs.
Their detailed knowledge of geography and layout of foreign cities made them valuable advisors to generals planning attacks.
They sold their goods in the market.
Describe the farmer class.
Grew crops to feed the city
They were also skilled hunters and fishers.
Sold much of their crops in the market
Gave up a share of their crops as taxes.
Describe the artisan class.
The high demand for finer goods kept the artisans busy
Artisans included mask makers, goldsmiths, and feather workers
The feather workers creations were the most valued items in Aztec society
How could you tell the class or wealth of Aztec citizens?
Colour of clothing
Amount of Jewelry
Location and Size of house
What were the houses of the rich like?
Made of sun dried brick or stone
Had separate rooms for steam bathing
What were the homes of the poor like?
Huts with thatched roofs
Furniture was limited
Everyone had a garden to their own
How did the clothes the Aztecs wore symbolize wealth and status?
The more decorated it was the more wealthy the person was
Quality of the cloth increased with rank
Gold was an important accessory associated with wealth
Higher class men’s robes were decorated with feathers
What laws were still in effect when the Spanish arrived?
The common people were not allowed to wear cotton clothing, or they would be punished by death
No one but the noblemen could build a house with more than one story. This was also punishable by death
How did you move up in the ranks of society?
You needed to achieve success on the battlefield. This was done by capturing at least four people to be sacrificed
How did the Aztec warriors dress after they achieved a higher ranking?
They were dressed like a jaguar
Conscription
Required to serve by law in the military
All boys were trained as what? Why?
All boys were trained as warriors to defend the Aztec state
What would boys do after they learned how to fight?
They would serve as soldier’s servants and follow the army to learn how warriors conducted themselves in battle
What happened when boys turned 15?
They became warriors themselves and took an active role in battle.
What were the commoners’ schools called?
Telpochcalli
How were the commoners instructed at school?
Since they could not read or write, all instruction was spoken
What oral lessons did the commoners receive at school?
They had lessons in Aztec history, religion, and citizenship duties.
What did commoner boys spend much of their time doing?
They spent their time doing hard physical labor, digging ditches and carrying firewood.
Regardless of social rank, what could girls do?
Any girl could attend school.
What happened to girls at 16 years of age?
They usually got married and moved in with their husband
What jobs could Aztec women have?
Army as doctors or healers
Priestesses
Matchmakers
How did the Aztec citizens show the virtues of courage?
Aztecs were expected to show courage and deal with hardships without complaining because it made the army stronger.
How did the Aztec citizens show the virtues of self sacrifice?
The group was considered more important than the individual. Every Aztec would be willing to sacrifice possessions, comfort, or even life for the good of society.
How did the Aztec citizens show the virtues of modesty?
No one was to boast about personal achievements or do anything else to stand out from the crowd.
How did the Aztec citizens show the virtues of clean living?
People had to keep themselves healthy and avoid over indulging in food or drink.
How did the Aztec citizens show the virtues of obedience?
Everyone had to obey superiors without question, because this helped preserve the social order.
What was it like being a slave in Aztec times?
They had laws protecting their rights
If slaves sold in the market could escape and run to the emperors palace, they would be freed
The Aztecs did not think it was shameful to be a slave and did not consider it a permanent condition
