1.3 Political and social structures in pre-Columbian societies

Pre-Columbian Mesoamerica had complex political structures. City-states and empires, like the Aztecs, ruled through conquest and alliances. Theocratic governance blended religious and political power, with rulers claiming divine right and priests influencing decisions.

Social hierarchies were strict, with nobles and priests at the top. Commoners made up most of the population, while slaves were at the bottom. The calpulli system organized Aztec society, managing land and taxes. Kinship networks shaped social ties and inheritance.

Political Structures

City-States and Empires

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• City-states formed the foundation of Mesoamerican political organization
  • Consisted of a central urban area surrounded by rural territories
  • Operated as independent political entities with their own rulers and governments
• Empires emerged through conquest and alliance-building
  • Aztec Empire exemplified this structure
  • Controlled vast territories through tributary systems and military might
• Imperial expansion facilitated cultural exchange and economic integration
  • Standardized trade practices across conquered regions
  • Imposed political and religious ideologies on subjugated peoples

Theocratic Governance

• Theocracy intertwined religious and political authority
  • Rulers claimed divine right or descent from deities
  • Religious rituals and ceremonies legitimized political power
• Priests played crucial roles in government administration
  • Interpreted omens and prophesies to guide political decisions
  • Managed religious calendars that influenced state activities
• Tlatoani served as the supreme ruler in Aztec society
  • Literally translated as "he who speaks"
  • Wielded both secular and religious authority
  • Responsibilities included leading military campaigns and overseeing religious ceremonies

Social Hierarchy

Elite Classes and Priesthood

• Social stratification characterized Mesoamerican societies
  • Rigid class divisions based on birth, occupation, and merit
• Nobility occupied the highest social echelon
  • Consisted of ruling families, high-ranking officials, and military leaders
  • Enjoyed privileges such as land ownership and exemption from manual labor
  • Passed down status and wealth through hereditary succession
• Priesthood formed a distinct and influential class
  • Managed religious affairs and maintained cosmic order
  • Conducted important rituals (human sacrifice, divination)
  • Often received specialized education in astronomy, mathematics, and writing

Commoners and Slaves

• Commoners comprised the majority of the population
  • Engaged in agriculture, crafts, and trade
  • Paid tribute to ruling elites and participated in communal labor projects
  • Could sometimes achieve social mobility through military prowess or specialized skills
• Slaves occupied the lowest rung of society
  • Acquired through warfare, debt bondage, or as punishment for crimes
  • Performed various tasks from domestic service to hard labor
  • Children of slaves could potentially be born free in some societies

Societal Organization

Calpulli System and Community Structure

• Calpulli served as the basic social and administrative unit in Aztec society
  • Functioned as both a territorial division and a kinship group
  • Managed land distribution, tax collection, and military recruitment
  • Provided education and religious instruction to community members
• Calpulli leaders represented their communities in larger political assemblies
  • Acted as intermediaries between common people and higher authorities
  • Helped maintain social cohesion and cultural identity

Kinship and Family Systems

• Kinship systems played a crucial role in social organization
  • Extended family networks formed the basis of many Mesoamerican societies
  • Determined inheritance patterns, marriage alliances, and social obligations
• Patrilineal descent predominated in most Mesoamerican cultures
  • Traced lineage and inheritance through the male line
  • Influenced political succession and property rights
• Marriage alliances served political and economic purposes
  • Strengthened ties between different social groups or polities
  • Facilitated the exchange of resources and cultural practices