How to Study Aztec Customs

The ancient Aztec civilization is a fascinating culture to study filled with unique customs that are best understood within the context of the Aztec religion and way of life. The Aztec customs became not only a distinguishing feature of their civilization, but also influenced the relations they had with other cultures.

Instructions

1. Read about Aztec religion, folklore and gods to understand the importance of religion and fear of the gods in the Aztec daily life.

2. Picture a marital relationship in the Aztec civilization similar to that of the 1950s in America. The husband went to work and supported the family, while the wife took care of the chores inside the family home. Children were immediately placed into these same gender roles after having his or her fate told to the family by a soothsayer.

3. Understand that Aztec boys were educated out of the home from the age of 12 until they married. They were well versed in the accomplishments of their culture, such as the aqueduct system and the calendar, as well as being trained as warriors. Aztec girls only received formal education in regards to religious customs such as dance, music and songs.

4. Recognize that the Aztec's need of prisoners to use as human sacrifice to their gods was not viewed as barbaric by the Aztec, but certainly affected the trade and war relationships that they had with other civilizations.

5. Appreciate that the Aztec had two social classes: the macehualles and the pilli. The macehualles were the common people and the pilli were the nobility. This was very important to the choices men made because men with great skill at a trade or as a warrior had the potential to move to the higher class, while a man who was not of great value in the Aztec civilization could move to the lower class.