Social Classes Of The Aztec Empire

Social Classes Of the Aztec Empire
Before Spanish conquistadors conquered Central and South America the Aztec empire and the Mayan empire were in control. Both empires ruled at different times but both built massive temples to please their gods, kings and also used for astronomy. Unlike the Mayans who used more of a political structure, the Aztec empire was united as one and led by one person. The Mayan empire consisted of many different city states that only linked through trade, political alliances, and tribute obligation. Along with each political structure, both empires had their own social classes that were similar. Aztec and Mayan social classes shaped the daily life of their citizens. The Aztec empire had a very strict social class
Serfs were not slaves but were a very poor group of people. Serfs worked on farms owned by noble men. They usually lived on the nobles farm on which they worked on and stayed in a small hut. Serfs had to pay tribute to the noble man that owned the farm. If serfs did not do this they would be punished by becoming slaves. Serfs gave noble men most of their crops and keep a small amount for themselves.If certain crimes were committed in the empire the person committing the crime would then become a slave. People would also become slaves if they were prisoners of war and were not sacrificed. Any person in the Aztec empire could become a slave or make their children slaves. People did this to pay off debt or as a tribute. Slaves had a lot of rights such as having children, being able to get married, marry their owner, and they could by their freedom back. Most slaves became free once there owner died. If a slave had a child while being a slave that child was did not become a slave but was a free man or
Each social class had their own school and taught different skills. Most commoner children would go to school for either art or to become a warrior. If a child was to become a warrior they would start at the age of 15. If there was a noble child or a very gifted commoner child they would go to school and either learn astronomy, how to be a priest, a military leader or become a government official. If a child went to school for astronomy they teached them how to read the stars and tell when the best time to plant crops are. They did this because they believed that the gods would tell them when the best time to plant is. If you went to become a military leader you would train to fight and taught how to use tactics on the battlefield. Government official students would learn how to run a certain area of the temple, then after school they would be in charge of that area or become part of the main government at the capital. The Aztec empire had a very strict social class structure that if not followed would end in death. Using this structure the aztecs were able to rule for many years a create massive buildings and monuments. Even though being a slave is the lowest of the structure they were still treated kindly, when they were not used as human sacrifices. The elders saw the power of knowledge and made sure every class was educated. Commoners were the majority of aztecs and were able to enjoy life but not as much as nobles who regularly received