Merchants

Definition

Merchants are individuals or groups engaged in the trade of goods and services, often playing a crucial role in economic systems. In Aztec society, merchants were significant not just for commerce but also for their social status and connections across regions, making them vital to the political and economic landscape.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Merchants in Aztec society were often seen as a distinct social class, ranking above commoners but below nobles, which gave them a unique position in the social hierarchy.
2. The Pochteca were not only traders but also spies for the Aztec state, gathering intelligence on rival territories during their trading expeditions.
3. Aztec merchants traded a variety of goods including textiles, pottery, food, and luxury items like jade and feathers, contributing significantly to the economy.
4. Trade routes established by merchants connected the Aztec Empire with distant regions, allowing for the exchange of goods and cultural ideas.
5. Merchants held considerable power and influence due to their wealth and ability to access goods not readily available in local markets.

Review Questions

• How did the role of merchants contribute to the social structure of Aztec society?
  • Merchants played a pivotal role in the social structure of Aztec society by forming a distinct class that held significant influence and wealth. They ranked just below nobles, which allowed them access to certain privileges and connections that enhanced their social status. Their activities in trade not only supported the economy but also facilitated relationships between different regions, thus intertwining their economic roles with social dynamics.
• Discuss the importance of the Pochteca within the broader context of Aztec commerce and politics.
  • The Pochteca were crucial to both commerce and politics in Aztec society. As professional long-distance traders, they engaged in extensive trading networks that brought valuable resources into the empire. Additionally, their travels allowed them to gather intelligence about rival regions, making them important assets for political leaders. This dual role highlighted how commerce was deeply connected to power dynamics within the Aztec Empire.
• Evaluate how merchants influenced cultural exchange within and beyond the Aztec Empire.
  • Merchants significantly influenced cultural exchange both within and beyond the Aztec Empire by acting as conduits for ideas, goods, and customs. Their trade routes linked diverse cultures, enabling the flow of not just materials like textiles and food but also technological innovations and artistic influences. As they interacted with various peoples during their travels, they facilitated a blending of cultures that enriched Aztec society while also spreading elements of Aztec culture to neighboring regions.

Related terms

Pochteca: The professional merchant class in Aztec society, known for long-distance trade and possessing considerable wealth and influence.

Tribute System: The system used by the Aztecs to collect goods and services from conquered peoples, often involving merchants who facilitated these exchanges.

Marketplace (Tianguis): The central locations in Aztec cities where merchants gathered to trade various goods, serving as hubs of economic activity and social interaction.