Aztec vs. Spanish Civilizations

• Study notes comparing the education systems, social structure, technology, religion, family structures, and warfare of the Aztec and Spanish civilizations.

Aztec Education

• Knowledge was passed down through oral tradition, including stories, songs, and poetry.
• Singing and dancing were key methods for passing on traditions and values.
• All boys and girls attended school with a gender and social class based curriculum.
• Boys were taught to become warriors, while girls trained in household management.
• Religion did not play a huge role in education.

Spanish Education

• Knowledge was passed down through formal tutoring and lessons.
• Both boys and girls attended school, with more limited access to education for girls.
• Religion played a crucial role, with education closely tied to the Roman Catholic Church.

Aztec Social Structure

• The class system consisted of Pipiltin (nobility/ruling class), Macehaultin (commoners/artisans/traders), Mayeques (peasants), and Tlacotin (slaves).
• Nobles ruled and had high-status roles while commoners were farmers, artisans, and traders.
• Peasants worked the land, and slaves performed hard labor.

Spanish Social Structure

• The class system consisted of nobility, clergy, and commoners.
• Nobles had land and power, clergy were influential in religious matters.
• Commoners worked for the upper classes.

Aztec Tools & Technology

• Developed advanced mathematics and a sophisticated calendar system.
• Created tools for agriculture, architecture, and warfare.
• Wealth accumulated mainly through agriculture, tribute from conquered territories, and trade.
• Trade was essential to the economy, involving items like cacao beans, textiles, and precious metals.

Spanish Tools & Technology

• Utilized advanced European technology, such as firearms, metalworking, and navigation tools.
• Had a more developed system of measuring time based on the Gregorian calendar.
• Wealth was gained through colonial exploitation, agriculture, and mining (silver).
• Wealth was often distributed among the crown, church, and nobility.

Aztec Religion

• Believed in an afterlife where the soul would travel to various destinations depending on the way the person lived and died.
• Priests and the Great Council were responsible for religious duties and the administration of rituals.
• Held grand ceremonies, including human sacrifices, to honor gods like Huitzilopochtli and Quetzalcoatl.
• Conflicts arose with external cultures (like Spain) over religious practices like human sacrifice.

Spanish Religion

• Heavily influenced by Roman Catholicism, which focused on Heaven, Hell, and Purgatory.
• The Pope and clergy held great power in determining spiritual matters.
• Religious ceremonies were central to daily life, including mass, festivals, and prayers.
• The Aztec religion conflicted with Catholic teachings, especially regarding human sacrifice and polytheism.

Aztec Family Roles

• Men were expected to become warriors, work the land, and provide for the family.
• Women were in charge of household duties and childcare.
• Higher-status women had some involvement in religious activities.
• Boys were trained to become warriors, and girls learned how to manage a household.

Spanish Family Roles

• Men were the head of the household and were responsible for work and governance.
• Women were largely confined to domestic roles, managing the household and caring for children.
• Children were expected to respect their parents and were trained for their future roles in society.

Aztec Warfare

• Notable leaders include Montezuma II and Ahuitzotl.
• Military prowess was central to Aztec culture; they trained young boys to become warriors.
• Warfare was often about capturing prisoners for sacrifice rather than territorial conquest.
• Religion played a central role, as warriors believed they were serving the gods by engaging in battle.

Spanish Warfare

• Hernán Cortés and other conquistadors led military campaigns against indigenous groups.
• Spanish military forces used advanced weaponry, including firearms and horses.
• Military campaigns were driven by the desire to expand territory and convert indigenous peoples to Christianity.
• Religion was a major motivator for conquest, with the Spanish believing they were spreading Christianity.

Comparison of Aztec and Spanish civilizations. The study notes compare the two civilizations' education systems, social structures, technology, religion, family structures, and warfare.