1. Aztec Society

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. Tower devoted to the Gods
Sacrifice
Throwing victims down the stairs

4. Aztec Society
Hierarchical

6. Nobility The Ruling class Top positions in government,
army and priesthood
Emperor was Number 1
Expected to conduct
themselves exemplary
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, artisan 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 were allowed to 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 businesses and control their own property
Received legal protection from marital abuse
If marriage ended women had automatic custody of children

12. Gender Roles Men 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
Boy married in late teens/
early twenties

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

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