Social Classes In Aztec Civilization

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In Aztec civilization there were diverse social classes within their society. Just like every other monarch society at the very top was the king along with his family. They called the king Tlatcani and he was very powerful. Below the king was Tecuhtli who ruled the capital Tenochtitlan, and were the rulers of the other city states. They lived very wealthy and lived in large palaces within their cities. They had power over their cities completely as long as they paid homage to the emperor. Although the priests had their own internal class structure and were expected to be celibate and to abstain from alcohol. Failure to do so would result in serious punishment or death. In the form of goods, services, and labor the Tecuhtli were entitled to receive tribute from commoners. Below the Tecuhtli were the pipiltin or the noble class. Only nobles were permitted to display their wealth by wearing decorated capes and jewelry, and Noble status was passed on through male and female families. The king was always chosen from the pipiltin. They held the high ranking …show more content…
Slaves had the right to marry, to have children, to substitute another individual in their place. They were not to be mistreated by their owners, they could buy their freedom, and they could not be sold by their masters unless they agreed. And women has always in most societies women had limited leadership roles within the Aztec empire. They had administrative roles in the calpulli and markets, and also worked as midwives and priestesses.
Political Structure
A series of city-states known as altepetl, make up the Aztec empire. Each altepetl was governed by a supreme leader (tlatoani) and a supreme judge (cihuacoatl). The tlatoani of the capital city of Tenochtitlan served as the Emperor (Huey Tlatoani) of the Aztec empire. The tlatoani was the ultimate owner of all land in his city-state, received homage, oversaw markets and temples, led the military, and resolved judicial
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