The Aztec Social Hierarchy

Social Hierarchy Pyramid Emperor Nobility and Priests Merchants, Artisans, Soldiers Farmers, Fishers, Women Slaves

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.

Nobles were in the next highest position underneath the emperor. Nobility 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.

Priests

Merchants Went on trading expeditions Merchants were very important to the Aztec community 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 Artisans were also known as Artists in the Aztec time. Provided clothes, art, gold & jewellery Mask makers, goldsmiths, and feather workers Quetzal birds were in high demand Only members of nobility could wear feathers

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. If a soldier captured 4 prisoners, they could move up in the hierarchy, to nobility

Were skilled hunters & Fishers, as well as grew crops: 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 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.

Slaves 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.

Important Points Society was based on family clans called Calpolli (see page 174). 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

Hierarchy Headbands Move around the room, asking only yes or no questions from your classmates and try to guess which member of the Aztec Social Hierarchy you belong to