mexica society Flashcards
describe mexica society
- rigid hierarchy
- public honors and rewards to the military elite
- saw all males as potential warriors
- social standing increased with distinguishing on a battlefield
- (but noblemen were more instructed in military so they were better on the battle field anyways)
- required to dress their social status
how to increase social status
- social standing increased with distinguishing on a battlefield
- (but noblemen were more instructed in military so they were better on the battle field anyways)
government
full of a council of the best warriors
dress socially
commoners wore: burlap-like garments
aristocrats: cotton
women rights
no public role b/c it is military dominated
- –High honor of being the “mother of a warrior”
- no property
- no high official positions
- under strict authority of husbands and fathers
women duties
-mother hood and homemaking
-to marry and bear children
-raising kids and preparing food for their families
-crafts: embroidery and needle work
-
what is the function for the priests class
elite
-special education in calendar and ritual
-religious ceremonies
-read omens and explain forces of the world
-ADVISORS to mexica rulers
-
how were peasants organized
-calpulli: families and community groups
relationship of peasants to the state
- supposed to cultivate plots assigned to the calpulli
- and worked lands for aristocrats and warriors
- Public Works Projects:
- Tribute to the elites
slavery in mexica
domestic servants
- sold younger family members
- forced into slavery from criminal behavior
how were artisans and merchants treated?
- if they worked stuff for elite like the metal and tropical bird feathers, they had high prestige
- longdistance traders were important but weaker
merchants treatment in mexica society
- elite goods
- political and military info about lands they visited
- suspicious for greedy profiteers and were often extorted wealth and goods
