Transcript Chapter 2
Chapter 8 For the Good of the People How does a society’s way of looking at the world influence its customs, choices and decisions? Buzz Words •Glyph •Telpochcalli •Calmecac •Calpolli •Artisan Aztec Social Structure The make up of the Aztec social hierarchy included 2 main classes: nobles and commoners. Position in society was determined by the class into which a person was born. However, there was some social mobility. Emperor Nobility & Priests Merchants, Artisans, Soldiers Farmers, Fishers & Women Slaves *Each rank in society had its own responsibilities and they all contributed to the good of the Aztec Empire. Compare the Aztec social hierarchy with the system that existed in the feudal system of Western Europe. Feudal Hierarchy Aztec Hierarchy Roles Within Society The Emperor Moctezuma Known as Huey Tlatoani, meaning the great speaker Treated as a god Was a skilled warrior Was the head of state; the good of the entire empire rested on his shoulders Family Clans Society was organized into units called calpolli Some calpolli were based on the work that people did e.g.) merchants made up the richest capolli in Tenochtitlan •Why were merchants so important to Aztec society? •What were some of the other roles within Aztec society? •What were their responsibilities? Status and Social Mobility List some examples of status symbols in our society. In Aztec society, the three most important ways of indicating your position in society were expressed through: clothing jewelry size and location of your house The main way to move up in Aztec society was by achieving success in the battlefield. A warrior who captured 4 prisoners during battle immediately became eligible for higher status. Old Navy The Gap How do we perceive these retail stores? Why? Where do you want to purchase your clothing? Why? Ambercrombie High End Vehicles What would you want to drive? Where Do You Want To Live? 1 2 4 3 Education Education was valued in Aztec society; it was free and every child was expected to attend school. There were two types of schools: Calmecac (for the nobles) and Telpochcalli (for the commoners). Create a t-cart illustrating the differences between the systems. Telpochcalli Calmecac Connections: Look at the examples of national mottos on page 185 from countries such as Canada, The United States and France. Create a motto that reflects the values of Renaissance Europe. Aztec society was based on producing citizens that would contribute to the community. Lessons in good citizenship were part of the Aztec education system. The Aztecs had a very clear idea of the virtues of an ideal citizen. Look at the characteristics of an ideal Aztec citizen on page 187. Create a list of the 5 characteristics of an ideal citizen in Canadian society. Justify your choices.