Commoners

Definition

Commoners were the lower social class in Mesoamerican civilizations, consisting of the majority of the population who did not belong to the elite or noble classes. They played vital roles in the economy and society, often engaging in agriculture, trade, and various crafts. Their status was significantly different from that of nobles and priests, but they were essential for the functioning of these complex societies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Commoners made up the largest segment of Mesoamerican societies, often forming the backbone of labor needed for agricultural production.
2. They had limited political power and were usually excluded from decision-making processes that were dominated by the nobility and priests.
3. In some Mesoamerican cultures, commoners could improve their social standing through achievements in trade or military service.
4. Many commoners lived in small villages or towns, where they participated in local markets to sell their goods and barter for other necessities.
5. Religious practices among commoners often revolved around local deities and rituals that were significant to their daily lives and agricultural cycles.

Review Questions

• How did the role of commoners contribute to the overall functioning of Mesoamerican civilizations?
  • Commoners were crucial to Mesoamerican civilizations as they formed the workforce that enabled agricultural production and supported trade activities. By engaging in farming, they ensured food security for the population and provided essential goods for local markets. Their labor was foundational for building and maintaining infrastructure such as temples and roads, ultimately allowing these societies to thrive despite their lower social status.
• Discuss the ways in which commoners could influence their social mobility within Mesoamerican societies.
  • While commoners generally had a fixed social status, opportunities for social mobility existed through achievements in trade, military service, or by accumulating wealth. Successful merchants could gain respect and recognition within their communities, while those who distinguished themselves in battle might be rewarded with titles or land. This potential for upward mobility, although limited compared to the elite classes, allowed some commoners to change their circumstances and improve their standing.
• Evaluate the impact of commoner contributions on the cultural and economic developments in Mesoamerican civilizations.
  • The contributions of commoners significantly shaped cultural and economic developments in Mesoamerican civilizations by fostering a rich tradition of agriculture, craftsmanship, and trade. Their agricultural practices not only sustained populations but also enabled surplus production, which facilitated trade networks. Culturally, commoners participated in local rituals and festivities that preserved traditions and reinforced community ties. This interplay between their economic roles and cultural practices contributed to a vibrant societal structure that allowed Mesoamerican civilizations to flourish.

Related terms

Nobility:

The upper class in Mesoamerican societies, often consisting of rulers, priests, and landowners who held power and wealth.

Agriculture:

The primary economic activity of commoners, involving the cultivation of crops such as maize, beans, and squash that sustained the population.

Social Hierarchy: The organization of society into different levels based on wealth, power, and social status, with commoners positioned below the nobility.