Chapter 8- Aztecs Flashcards
How did Aztec ideas about the structure of society, education and citizenship reflect the Aztec’s shaped view?
They valued lots of different thing in their socirty
What kind of people did this produce?
very stricted people and verys tponed face stoned heart people
What was it about their society that enabled the Aztecs to become a superpower in their part of the world?
They did certerin things that other countries hadnt caught on to yet
Moctezuma
One of his jobs was to watch the night sky that may tell of future events and interpret these signs.
His decisions were influenced by the movements of heavenly bodies
Leader of the Aztec people (Emporer)
Known as “The Great Speaker”
Bad OMENs
Heard a strange voice sounding like a mother wailing for her children
Lake waters surrounding the city turning as red as blood
The Shooting Star (Star Serpent) =
To Moctezuma it was a terrifying sign foretold death and destruction
social hycary
- emperpor
- noblilty and priests
- merchants, artisans and soldiers
- farmers, fishers woman
- slaves
Role of the Emperor
They knew he was human, but they treated him like a god
Obeying without question
giving every possible privilege and luxury
Spectacular living conditions (palace/zoo)
top three responiables chief priest comander in cheif
head of state
Calpolli
Aztec society was organized into units Based on the work people did Worshipped at the same temple Lived in the same neighbourhood Goldsmiths may form a calpolli Feather workers might form another
All had close family ties
Merchants
Who were they?
What did they do?
What did they know?
Why were they important?
- made up the richest calpolli
- went on trading expediations into far corners of the Aztec Empire
- they knew deep knowledge of geography and the layout of foregin lands
- they sold goods to the aztecs people
Artisans
Who were they?
What did they do?
What did they know?
Why were they important?
- skilled craftmenships
- made beauiful creations made out of feathers into fans and headdresses and much more
- knew how to make creations other people dodnt
- their creations were treaurfed in the aztecs commituie
Farmers
Who were they?
What did they do?
What did they know?
Why were they important?
- grew crops and were skilled hunters and fishers
- grew crops and fished and hunted
- how to fish and hunt and grow crops
- they feed the aztec towns
the rich
Homes of the nobles and wealthy were made of sun-dried brick. If you were very wealthy, your home could be made of stone. Each noble home had a separate room for steam bathing.
he more decorated one’s clothing was, the higher rank they were perceived to have.
Symbols of their ranks were embellished on the clothes they wore. Quality of cloth was also important.
The colors of their clothes also portray meaning for them, for instance, bright colors were a sign of higher status.
Gold was an important noble accessory for them as well.
Upper classmen were also fond of headdresses made from feathers, their robes are also lined with brightly colored feathers as well.
the poor
Homes of the farmers and other commoners were huts with thatched roofs. Furniture was limited and they might have mats on the floor and woven trunks to hold belongings. They had blankets and pottery for cooking. Everyone had a garden of their own, including farmers.
Commoners and slaves were not in cotton, they had less adornments (jewels) and slightly duller colours.
What were the two laws still in effect when the Spanish arrived?
- common people were not allowed to wear cotton
2. no one but great noblemen were allowed to build a house higher then 2 stories
how do you move up the social hierarachy
Main way to move up →
achieve success on the battlefield
In battle, killing the enemy was NOT the point of war
They wanted PRISONERS!!!
4 prisoners = higher social status
