Aztecs Chapter 8. For the Good of the People

Transcription

1 Aztecs Chapter 8 For the Good of the People

2 Program of Studies Outcomes Knowledge and Understanding critically assess how the Aztecs were affected by the Spanish worldview by exploring and reflecting upon the following questions and issues: What were the key elements of the worldview of the Aztec civilization prior to contact with the Spanish? How did the Aztec civilization s worldview influence its choices, decisions and customs?

3 Aztec Social Hierarchy How did the structure of the Aztec society tell us what was important to the Aztec people? Theme%2023--Aztec_social_hierarchy.htm

4 Aztec Social Hierarchy No matter what class you were born into, you could rise in the ranks to nobility Warriors could rise to the greatest levels even if they were only a poor peasant to begin Then, you could become emperor because they were chosen from the nobles

5 The Emperor Read page 171 Moctezuma was emperor when the Spanish arrived He had the title of Great Speaker Treated like a god, obeyed without question Commander of the army Head of state Chief Priest

6 The Emperor aztecheaddress.gif

7 Family Clans Organized into units called Calpolli (Call- POLE-lee) Live in the same neighbourhood and worshipped at same temple Could be based on the work that people did Goldsmiths could make up one, feather makers, etc. Elected a captain and council Assigned land and houses to its residents

8 Merchants Made up richest calpolli in Tenochtitlan Trading expeditions Brought back luxuries, goods, and acted as spies Helped for planning during war Sold goods in the markets Paid taxes on their profits tarlton.law.utexas.edu/rare/aztec/property.htm

9 Farmers Skilled hunters and fishers, as well as growing crops Sold in the market as well as keeping for themselves Gave up a share of their produce in taxes Useful service that helped state to survive Helped with projects for state

10 Artisans Demand for finer things in life Clothes, art, gold, jewelery, etc. Mask makers, goldsmiths, and feather workers Quetzal birds were in high demand Only members of nobility could wear the feather Sacred feathers, associated with Quetzalcoatl Obtained by tribute as well from-an-account-of-aztec-crafts-in-central-mexico-mid-16th- Century-Posters_i _.htm

11 Aztec Education- Calmecac What they studied in their schools Astronomy/Astrology Mathematics Reading Writing Music Law Calendar What they trained to be (careers) Generals in the army Judges Priests Scribes High government officials Diplomats Teachers

12 Other schools for Aztecs Military training All boys were trained to be warriors Serve as a servant for soldier to follow army At 18: became an active warrior For commoners Called telpochcalli Did not need to learn to read and write Oral lessons Music, physical labor (for boys), and home skills (for girls)

13 Other schools for Aztecs (cont.) Educating Aztec women Little political power, but had a good education Every girl regardless of rank attended school Around 16 she was married Some women went to army as doctors and healers Some were priestesses Some were matchmakers or midwives

14 Aztec Society Focused on producing good citizens Part of the young person s education Virtues of ideal Aztec Citizen Courage Self-sacrifice Modesty Clean Living Obedience Aztecs were expected to show courage and deal with hardships without complaining, because it made the army strong. The group was considered more important than the individual. Every Aztec had to be willing to sacrifice possessions, comfort, even life itself for the good of society. No one, not even the greatest warrior, was to boast about personal achievements or do anything else to stand out from the crowd. People had to keep themselves healthy and avoid overindulging in food and drink. The Aztecs punished harshly what they considered evil behaviour. Everyone had to obey superiors without question, because this helped preserve the social order.

15 Laws and Lawmaking Had written laws Reminded people of their responsibilities as citizens Nobles and the emperor were required to obey the laws too Nobles were actually often judged harsher because they set a good example for others Could appeal decisions from lower court to the high court and even to the emperor Aztecs did not have prisons, so the punishment was often serious (slavery or fines for lesser crimes, theft and murder was a death sentence)

16 Slavery

17 Slavery Aztec slaves performed necessary work! Laws protected them as well If they were beaten to death, the noble could be executed If the slaves could escape from the slave marketplace and run to the emperor s palace, they won their freedom 1. Not shameful to be a slave (just bad luck) 2. Not permanent (children born to slaves were free)