How Did the Aztec and Spanish Ways of Life Reflect Their

Worldviews?

Chapter 8

How did the Social Systems of the Aztec Reflect their Worldview

Aztec society was highly structured, based on agriculture and trade, and guided by a religion that was part of every aspect of life.

The Aztec worshipped Gods that represented natural forces and that were necessary to their agricultural economy.

They had a hierarchical system of authority that was divided into three social classes: upper, middle and lower.

Nobility

.•Pipiltin were the upper, ruling class (government, army & priests) – similar to samurai•Emperor huey tlatoani (high priest too)•Land ownership based on social class•Pipiltin had to follow strict behavior code (role models)•Nobility kept all records and gained honor

Commoners Macehualtin were the middle class (military,

priests, merchants, artisans, or long-distance traders)

Warriors were next to nobility – very important, exemplary leaders and judges of petty crimes

Poorest mayeques (peasants) worked for nobles and received land and payed taxes.

Lowest class were the tlacotin, another name for slaves and they could buy their freedom

Priests Boys from all classes could study to

become priests They would advise the emperor and

oversee important religious functions Their most important job was to offer

human sacrifices

Roles of Men and Women Women cared for the household and

family, though some did become artisans. Men did all other physical work and were

forced to join the army when soldiers were needed.

Children work beside parents as early as age 5.

Girls marry in their early teens; boys marry in their late teens/early twenties.

Women enjoyed legal protections, along with a high degree of freedom.

Education Free for all girls and

boys Taught religious rituals

and structured classes Pass on traditions by

dancing and singing Separate schools for

upper and lower class Girls went to school

until marriage Boys and girls taught

separately

How did the Political and Economic Systems Reflect the Aztec Worldview?Aztec Political System The emperor, huey tlatoani, was elected

by the council of wise men made up of the greatest warriors and the wisest priests.

The huey tlatoani was the representative of Huitzilopochtli, no one could disobey him.

The council of wise men could dismiss the huey tlatoani if they disagreed with him and his title was not heriditary.

Role of Priests in the Government

Held highest position in royal court – members of nobility.

Emperor consulted them on dreams and omens

Priests decided the days that were lucky to go to war and hold sacrificial ceremonies.

Aztec Economy Tribute was an important

factor – payment of tribute to Aztec emperor.

Form of tribute – food, cacao beans, natural resources, cotton, luxury items, precious metals, or military service

Ensured a steady flow of goods for the Aztec and encouraged the development of new businesses and improved the economy.

Tribute system continued under Spanish rule Farming – backbone of the Aztec economy

Farming was done on chiampas (floating gardens) There were other goods and services:

Producers of good from raw materials Miners Barbers Herbalists Skilled artisans

Goods that weren’t used for tribute or taxes were sent to the marketplace.

Market trade was based on barter or trade (trade was forbidden outside the marketplace)

Since the Aztec did not have oxen or horses to transport goods, they did so by canoe along the waterways that ran down the Valley of Mexico.

Porters worked for the Pochteca (long-distance merchants) and traded finished goods and raw materials to make clothing and jewellery for the nobility. The pochteca held a high position of status in the empire.

How did the Culture of the Aztecs Reflect their Worldview?Aztec Religious Beliefs and Practices

Rituals and sacrifices Thought warrior hearts were the

best nourishment and that sacrifice kept the world together.

Believed that human blood was above all else

Sacrifices were large public events that were performed at the top of temples.

Medicine Bundles Sacred objects of the Aztecs were bundles

containing blessed corn, feathers, rubber and precious stones.

Each altepetl (city) has its own bundle that was the centre of the city

Huitzilopochtli’s bundle was kept in the main temple of Tenochtitlan.

Medicine Religion – certain gods

were thought to send illness or to heal

Magic – some were thought to be sent by magic. Anyone thought to be casting spells would be condemned.

Medicine – they knew a lot about the healing properties of plants and minerals.

The Arts

Books and Codices Used picture writing

Had no alphabet Scribes and priests recorded poetry, history,

moral lessons, rituals, tribute lists, governmental and business records.

Often wrote on deerskin, cloth or ornate paper

Painted on both sides of long paper strips The few codices that were not destroyed

were about animals and guides for living

Sculpture Religious in nature

Were placed in and under temples In recognition of the three levels of the universe ▪ In recognition of gods, earth and the underworld

Smaller statues were of animals usually jaguars and snakes maintaining balance with the natural world

Craftsmen taught their talents to their sons

Architecture Temples were the largest building in any city

The most magnificent was in Tenochtitlan Architecture was borrowed

from the Teotihuacan or Toltec

They developed the idea to divide the pyramid at the top to represent the sacred mountains It was called Templo Mayor

Featherworks & Luxury Items

Aztecs prized feathers more than gold Feathers were rare, delicate

and brightly coloured Many luxury items such as

jewels and ornaments had no religious importance and were created to satisfy the desires of the wealthy

Artisans created jewellery, ceramics and mosaics using precious stones and jewels

The importance of time to the Aztec

The main calendar was called Xiuhtlapohually made up of 18 months, 20 days plus 5 extra days Each month named for a god and incorporated a religious

festival dedicated to that god Regulated agricultural activities such as planting and

harvesting and determined market days The second important calendar was the ritual

calendar called Tonalpohually 260 days Each with a specific fate that was good, bad or indifferent. Used to determine when many of their religious rituals and

sacrifices should be performed

Life was coordinated by two calendars

How did the Spanish Social Systems Reflect the Spanish Worldview?

Spanish society used the feudal system until 1486 and then switched to the seigneurial system.

Peasants were given sections of land by the lord of an estate to cultivate in return for money, goods, or services.

The nobility was the smallest class and owned the most land.

There were many more peasants than business owners, but the merchant class was growing.

Nobility Were powerful and ruled their estates

almost like monarchs. King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella

took back much of the land owned by nobility.

Large tracts of land were passed on to the eldest son of nobles.

Sons studied to enter clergy or tried to gain honour

Classes of minor nobles = hidalgo Spanish nobility very much disdained

manual labour and commerce, and judged an individual’s worth by social position rather than by achievement.

Commoners

Made up 90% of Spain’s population. Feudal peasants had the lowest status. Most lived and worked on nobility estates. Only small percentage owned land Couldn’t save money A middle class began to grow. Many of the wealthy merchant class were

educated and owned land.

Priests Roman Catholic priests became the religious

leaders in local parishes or joined formal religious orders.

Parish priests often would have to look for other work to earn money to support themselves.

Religious orders priests were better educated and came from wealthier families

Religious orders were well organized and operated many schools

The priests who made it to upper clergy had great status and rank.

Roles of Men and Women Similar to the roles of men and women

during the Renaissance. Women were expected to marry well and

take care of the household. Some became fine writers and artisans

Men were expected to do the hard labour. Some peasant women would cultivate land when

needed Only men could hold government positions

and be involved in running a business. Divorce was forbidden in the church.

Education Used to be more tolerant of religion than

anywhere else Before Spain evicted them, the Jews and

Muslims provided a highly respected education. There were several universities The Spanish benefited very much from the

universities and libraries left behind by the Jews and Muslims.

Education became tightly linked with the Roman Catholic Church.

Spanish scholars began to focus on religious studies rather than humanist pursuits

Education continued… In towns and cities there was education for

most children. Children of nobility, especially sons, were

mostly tutored at home and then went on to university.

Some daughters went to school, but most received private lessons at home

Some rural areas provided basic formal education to children of peasants.

Boys learned carpentry and how to farm. Girls learned how to cook and sew.

How did the Political and Economic Systems of the Spanish Reflect their Worldview?

Spanish Political System Believed only God could give someone

the right to rule. Since God appointed the monarch, no

king or queen could be removed The King & Queen had near absolute

power. Although there was a central authority,

each kingdom maintained a separate parliament

Spanish Political Systems

Spanish parliament was called the Cortes Legislations were approved by the

Cortes. King and queen could dismiss the

Cortes whenever they wished but the Cortes still controlled the treasury.

Nobles were given high ranking but had fewer oppurtunities to be involved

Role of the Church in the Government Roman Catholic Church was often closely

linked to the monarchy. People who did not accept the teaching of

the Roman Catholic Church were disloyal to the monarchy.

King and Queen reduced the power of the church.

Wanted the power to make their own decisions

Spanish Economy Barcelona and Valencia were major

seaports for importing and exporting goods.

The decrease in population due to the Black Death, resulted in a decline in both agricultural and manufacturing output.

Under Moorish rule between the 8th and 13th centuries agriculture flourished.

Olives, grapes, wheat, rice and fruit were the main products

Sheep farmers formed a guild – a powerful organization called a mesta.

Economic Problems Nobility saw farming and businesses as the lower

class Nobility would buy land and the land would remain

uncultivated. Small businesses would purchase land with extra

money instead of creating more business Spain’s economy suffered because of little investment

in agriculture & commerical efforts When Fernindand & Isabella took over, Spanish

economy improved, especially with the wool trade in Castile

However, during wars, Spain’s economy suffered again because they needed guns & weapons, not wool

Economic Problems

Nobilitles began overseas trading when Spain colonies

Spain wasn’t able to produce for both, so its colonies increased their manufacturing

Over time, Spain became one of the richest and most powerful countries.

Gold and silver eventually caused massive inflation in parts of Spain and Europe

How did the Culture of the Spanish Reflect their Worldviews?

Spanish Religious Beliefs and PracticesBelieved they would go to heaven or hell

based on how well they followed the religious teaching of the Roman Catholic Church. Included following the Bible & confession

Cathedrals were the grandest buildings in any cities and built as places to worship God.

Religion united Roman Catholics to conquer the Moors.

By the end of the Reconquista, Catholicism was the only religion allowed in Spain.

Focused on the suffering of Jesus Christ and admired both the courage and willingness of individuals to withstand suffering and sacrifice.

Conquistadors who exhibited these traits were held in high esteem

Special religious ceremonies were held to try people during the Inquisition usually ending in the execution of the person charged. • usually burned at the

stake.

The Arts Literature Latin was the language used by the

Clergy and by Spanish scholars. Castilian was made the official language when

Ferdinand and Isabelle married. later known as Spanish Having one language united the country and developed

a sense of nationalism. Troubadours spread Spanish when they

traveled and performed for the common people and for the royalty. Told tales of love, bravery, romance, poetry &

quiet life of the country

Architecture and Sculpture Spanish architecture was

strongly influenced by Muslim culture

Many Spanish homes had beautiful mosaic decorations and inside courtyards modeled after Muslim buildings

The grandest structures in Spain were Churches and Mosques

The most talented sculptors lived in Catalonia and Aragon

Painting Spanish artist absorbed influences

from different cultures, traditions & religion

Spanish artists were greatly influenced by Flemish & Italians

Spanish art was comprised of beautiful murals & frescoes most often found on the walls of churhces

Ferrer Bassa was one of the first identifiable Spanish artists

Spanish art was influenced by Moors and the King and Queen were patrons of the arts

Measurement of Time The Spanish used the Gregorian calendar

system like today's that started in 46 BCE, and had 365 ¼ days in one year.

The problem was that the summer and winter solstices were planed to be on the 25th of their respected months. By the 1500’s they were on the 11th.

To fix this problem Pope Gregory XIII decreed that the day after Thurs. Oct. 4th 1582 Fri. Oct. 15th 1582