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The Aztec social system had different classes.
At the top of society was the all-powerful ruler known as the Great Speaker. Just below him were members of the royal family and the nobles, who owned most of the land and ran local government. Royals and nobles were set apart in several ways. They had rules for how to dress, what kind of houses to live in, and what to eat. Priests also ranked high in Aztec society because religion was a big part of daily life. So did very brave warriors. Most people were commoners, including craftspeople and laborers. At the bottom of society were its slaves.
Nobles & Commoners
◀ The Aztecs treated their leader almost like a god. He traveled on a stretcher carried by servants, and the ground where he walked was swept. Not even the richest nobles were allowed to look him in the eye. He commanded the army, headed the government, and took part in many important religious ceremonies.
This feathered shield belonged to Montezuma II, the last Aztec ruler. His name in the Aztec language is Motecuhzoma Xocoyotzin. ▶
▲ Skilled metalworkers created jewelry. These nose plugs and ear spools were worn by nobles.
Aztec commoners ate beans, corn, and squash. They also trapped rabbits, deer, ducks, and even armadillos! But they had to give some of what they caught to the nobles. ▼
▲ Nobles also dined on rare foods brought in from other villages. These included things like sweet potatoes, oysters, and pineapples. One specialty was a small hairless dog roasted on a spit!
Warriors
Jaguar Warrior
◀ Joining the military was the fastest way for commoners to get ahead. Warriors fought enemy tribes to capture prisoners for religious rites. Every soldier hoped to enter the special fighting forces known as Jaguar or Eagle warriors. ▶
Eagle Warrior
◀ Jaguar warriors dressed in the skins of ocelots. Known for their skills as scouts and spies, they were called the Soldiers of the Night. Eagle warriors dressed in brightly colored feathers and chanted loudly to scare their enemies. They were called the Soldiers of the Sun.
The Aztecs built their empire by conquering other peoples and making them pay tribute. From some they demanded clothing, precious feathers, or jaguar skins. They also took maize, beans, and cacao. From others, they called for gold, turquoise, or jade. Aztec officials came about four times a year to collect tribute. As long as the provinces paid, the Aztecs usually left them alone. Local leaders could rule their people as they pleased. But, if they rebelled and didn’t pay, they were punished. Aztec rulers sent their warriors to squash rebellions. Tribute payments might double or triple. This codex is a record of tribute collected. ▶
