Lifestyle

As for the Aztec lifestyle in general, there are many different aspects that make the ancient Aztec civilization so unique. For example, when one is in their early twenties, they are usually married and is in the process of starting a family. Marriage were always arranged by the parents or close relatives. Men were allowed to have more than one wives, as long as there is one primary wife. However, committing adultery ( outside of a marriage ) results in a death punishment. Schooling was very simplistic. Despite having a school system, fathers primarily taught their sons while mothers taught their daughters various things. (“Aztec Society Family”. Aztec-history. Aztec-history.com. 2006-2011. Web. March 23rd. ) Music made a huge impact in schooling and in the Aztec culture itself. Not only was it a form of entertainment, it was also a large part of learning and schooling as well. Children from 12-15 would learn cultural songs on instruments in schools. Music was also a form of appraisal; the Aztecs would create hymns that worshiped the Gods. Drums were the primary instrument; they were often played alone. However, instruments such as flutes would occasionally accompany them. (“Aztec Music”. Aztec-history. Aztec-history.com. 2006-2011. Web. March 23rd.) When it comes to games, they mainly played Patolli and Ullamaliztli. Patolli is a board game that was usually played by the noble; people often gambled during it. Ullamaliztli is much more physical; it is played with a giant rubber ball and is common within everyone. (“Ancient Aztec Games”. Aztec-history. Aztec-history.com. 2006-2011. Web. March 23rd.) Food and agriculture is also a very important part of the Aztec culture and lifestyle. They grew all of their food. Maize (corn) was most commonly used. It would be grounded into flour to make various things such as flatbread and tortillas. Other vegetables like beans and squash were common ingredients in Aztec food as well. Chocolate was cherished and was even used as currency in some cases. Aside from vegetables, the Aztecs would also hunt for animals like deer, rabbits, iguanas, fish, and shrimp. (“Aztec Food”. Aztec-history. Aztec-history.com. 2006-2011. Web. March 23rd.) Although there are many differences with the Aztec culture and lifestyle compared to ours, the largest distinction lies within crime and punishment. The Aztecs were much more harsh with their laws, and their punishments were much more crude. Typically, if one were to commit a minor theft, as a punishment, the individual would be sold to slavery; if it was a major theft, death would ensue. The Aztec judicial system, however, was very similar to ours. The emperor would take the place of the judge and they would have group of people who would decide if an individual was guilty of a crime or not. (“Laws and Politics”. Thinkquest. library.thinkquest.org. 1999. Web.)