Nomadic Trends
The ancestors of the Aztecs were a tribe of Nomads known as the Mexica, who inhabited the northern region of modern-day Mexico. The Mexico called their homeland Azatlan, a region whose existance is still debated. During the 12th century, the Mexica moved south towards Modern-day Mexico city. The Aztec believe that they were lead to their new homeland by a god, Huitzilopochtli. They followed Huitzilopochtli's orders and moved south, worshipping his idol along the way. Huitzilopochtli lead them to a fertile valley which was already inhabited by other tribes. The other inhabitants, who saw the Mexica as squatters, forced the Mexica onto an island in the middle of a lake. It is here that the Mexica reportedly saw a divine sign from the god Huitzilopochtli, which was a snake on a cactus. This was a sign from the god that showed them that they had reached the destined land. The island was not suitable for traditional agriculture, but it had a plethora of seafood and aquatic birds. The Mexica also learnt how to cultivate floating crop fields, a skill instrumental in their survival.
Societal Structure
The aztecs gained great prosperity from its expansion in the late 15th century. The large territory that the Aztecs ruled required a vast bureaucracy. There was also development of urban areas, which led to the formation of multiple classes. At the top of the hierarchy were the king, and below him were his advisors, who were nobles. They lived in Government housing and paid no taxes. These nobles, worked hard for the empire while enjoying lavish livestyles. Below the nobles, there were master craftsmen and merchants, and below them there were commoners, and below commoners there were slaves. All men owed military service to the king
Everyday Life
The Aztecs believed in predetermined roles in society that maintained the balance in the universe. There was opportunity to move up in ranking, however, through religous schools which were open to all classes. Commoners could be promoted through military deeds. Children would usually follow their parents footsteps in terms of ocupation. Upper classes and commoners had different school. Much like today, all people worked hard to reach their goals, and the upper class had bigger, better goods.
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