Social class in Aztec society

The inaugural ruler, Acamapichtli, was selected due to his purported Toltec lineage, a heritage eagerly embraced by the Mexicans.

This established an enduring tradition wherein future monarchs were consistently chosen from the ranks of the pipiltin, solidifying their role as the aristocratic elite within Aztec society.

[2] Nobles possessed various privileges, including enhanced educational opportunities and the freedom to wear elaborate attire and embellish their residences.

They were permitted to assume significant governmental roles, although not all held positions of authority; some pursued careers as craftsmen or served as palace servants.

[6] Traveling merchants called pochteca were a small, but important class as they not only facilitated commerce but also communicated vital information across the empire and beyond its borders.