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Questions and Answers
What was the main purpose of slavery in Aztec society?
What was the legal status of the children of slaves in Aztec society?
Under what circumstances could a person voluntarily become a slave in Aztec society?
What rights did Aztec slaves have regarding marriage and property ownership?
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How were slaves treated by their owners according to Aztec law?
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What was the consequence of being downgraded to a 'wooden-collar slave' in Aztec society?
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What determined the cost of a slave in Aztec society?
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What opportunity did slaves have at the market in Aztec society?
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What was the general purpose of slaves in Aztec society?
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Under what circumstances could a person be sold as a slave without their agreement in Aztec society?
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Study Notes
Slavery in Aztec Society
- The main purpose of slavery in Aztec society was to provide labor and to serve as a means of payment for debts, rather than solely for economic exploitation.
Legal Status of Children of Slaves
- Children of slaves were born free, and their legal status was not affected by their parents' slave status.
Voluntary Slavery
- A person could voluntarily become a slave in Aztec society to pay off debts, to escape punishment for a crime, or to survive during times of famine.
Rights of Slaves
- Slaves had the right to marry and own property, and their marriages and property rights were recognized by Aztec law.
Treatment of Slaves
- According to Aztec law, slaves were to be treated fairly and with dignity, and mistreatment of slaves was punishable by law.
'Wooden-Collar Slaves'
- If a slave was downgraded to a 'wooden-collar slave', it meant they were relegated to a lower status, and as a result, they would be forced to perform more menial tasks.
Cost of Slaves
- The cost of a slave in Aztec society was determined by factors such as the slave's age, sex, skills, and physical condition.
Market Opportunities
- Slaves had the opportunity to buy their freedom at the market, and some slaves were able to accumulate wealth and eventually buy their own freedom.
Purpose of Slaves
- The general purpose of slaves in Aztec society was to provide domestic and agricultural labor, as well as to serve as a means of payment for debts and as a form of punishment.
Involuntary Slavery
- A person could be sold as a slave without their agreement in Aztec society if they were captured in war, if they were sold by their parents or relatives, or if they were punished for a crime.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Aztec society with this quiz on Aztec slavery. Learn about the unique characteristics of slavery in Aztec culture, including the reasons for enslavement and the rights of slaves. Gain insights into the complex social structure of the Mexica (Aztecs) and their approach to labor and punishment.
