Aztec Social Structure Essay
Social Structure
Social Structure: What were the calpulli? What were the major classes of Aztec society? How did clothing reflect a person's class? Which was the largest class? Which was the smallest? Describe the lifestyle of the ruler.
Emperor, Nobles, Lords, Military
Aztecs followed many laws and rules for each of their classes. The higher class was called the upper class. Emperors, nobles, and religious people (lords) were included at the top of the pyramid. Clothing mainly divided people like it does today. Higher classes loved to deck out their clothing. Gold, feathers, necklaces, jewelry, and bright colors were usually worn on rich people. Emperors or even religious groups wore masks for rituals, or representing Aztec gods. Nobles and …show more content…
If people committed a crime they could be sentenced to death or become a slave to the family. Slaves could buy their way to freedom or negotiate with the owner. Becoming free was very difficult due to crimes made by the slave. If a slave had a child it was automatic free. You had to commit a crime, it wasn’t heredity. Slaves tried to cover their bodies with anything from mud to rags. Slaves had rights to marry, have kids, and buy their way to freedom. Aztec slaves were treated very well. Slaves even had shelters that would hold the family. Own be a slave their whole life! Serfs were the last on the pyramid as well. Serfs are farmers that rent land from their lords, or nobles. Serfs had to pay fees in money, grain, honey, or eggs. Lords and nobles had very high expectations for serfs. They also didn’t want to be to hard in case they’d lose them and another person would become the owner of the serf. Serfs had very hard labor jobs and had to care for their families. Serfs wore rags or cotton over their bodies. Peasants are the last last group of the last level. Peasants didn’t rent land or commit crimes. About 30 percent of Aztec people were peasants. Peasant wore rags, or cotton. They also gave their time to the emperor or
Social Structure: What were the calpulli? What were the major classes of Aztec society? How did clothing reflect a person's class? Which was the largest class? Which was the smallest? Describe the lifestyle of the ruler.
Emperor, Nobles, Lords, Military
Aztecs followed many laws and rules for each of their classes. The higher class was called the upper class. Emperors, nobles, and religious people (lords) were included at the top of the pyramid. Clothing mainly divided people like it does today. Higher classes loved to deck out their clothing. Gold, feathers, necklaces, jewelry, and bright colors were usually worn on rich people. Emperors or even religious groups wore masks for rituals, or representing Aztec gods. Nobles and …show more content…
If people committed a crime they could be sentenced to death or become a slave to the family. Slaves could buy their way to freedom or negotiate with the owner. Becoming free was very difficult due to crimes made by the slave. If a slave had a child it was automatic free. You had to commit a crime, it wasn’t heredity. Slaves tried to cover their bodies with anything from mud to rags. Slaves had rights to marry, have kids, and buy their way to freedom. Aztec slaves were treated very well. Slaves even had shelters that would hold the family. Own be a slave their whole life! Serfs were the last on the pyramid as well. Serfs are farmers that rent land from their lords, or nobles. Serfs had to pay fees in money, grain, honey, or eggs. Lords and nobles had very high expectations for serfs. They also didn’t want to be to hard in case they’d lose them and another person would become the owner of the serf. Serfs had very hard labor jobs and had to care for their families. Serfs wore rags or cotton over their bodies. Peasants are the last last group of the last level. Peasants didn’t rent land or commit crimes. About 30 percent of Aztec people were peasants. Peasant wore rags, or cotton. They also gave their time to the emperor or