Commoners

Definition

Commoners refer to the general populace in Mesoamerican civilizations, particularly the majority of people who were not part of the elite or ruling classes. In societies such as the Aztec, Maya, and Olmec, commoners played crucial roles in agriculture, trade, and craft production, forming the backbone of the economy and culture. Their daily lives were often tied to communal activities and their labor supported the grand structures and rituals of these civilizations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Commoners made up the vast majority of the population in Mesoamerican civilizations, often working as farmers, artisans, or laborers.
2. In the Aztec society, commoners were obligated to pay tribute to the nobility, which included goods such as food and textiles.
3. Commoners participated in religious ceremonies and festivals, which were vital for maintaining societal cohesion and honoring the gods.
4. Despite their lower social status, some commoners could rise in rank through exceptional service or accomplishments, becoming members of the nobility.
5. Living conditions for commoners varied significantly depending on location and local resources but often included simple homes made from adobe or palm thatch.

Review Questions

• How did the roles of commoners differ across Mesoamerican civilizations like the Aztec, Maya, and Olmec?
  • While commoners across Mesoamerican civilizations shared similarities in their agricultural roles and labor contributions, there were distinctions based on local customs and societal structures. In the Aztec Empire, commoners were integral to the tribute system that supported the nobility, while in Maya civilization, they were heavily involved in constructing monumental architecture. The Olmec society also relied on commoners for agricultural production but had different social hierarchies that influenced their daily lives and roles.
• Discuss how commoners contributed to the economic stability of major Mesoamerican civilizations and how this influenced their societies.
  • Commoners played a vital role in maintaining economic stability by engaging in agriculture, trade, and crafting goods. Their labor directly supported food production, which was essential for feeding both the common population and the elite classes. This reliance on commoners' work helped sustain complex societal structures, allowing for advancements in culture and technology while fostering a sense of community through shared agricultural practices and rituals.
• Evaluate the social mobility of commoners in Mesoamerican civilizations and its implications for their societies' hierarchies.
  • Social mobility among commoners was limited but not entirely absent in Mesoamerican societies. Exceptional individuals could gain recognition through military prowess or contributions to religious ceremonies, potentially allowing them to ascend to higher social ranks. This possibility of rising within societal hierarchies demonstrated that while class divisions were rigid, there were pathways for some to achieve status. Such dynamics influenced social cohesion, as aspirations for upward mobility could motivate loyalty to rulers while also fostering competition among commoners.

Related terms

Nobility: The social class consisting of individuals with high status and privilege, often holding power in government and religion within Mesoamerican societies.

Tribute System: A method of taxation where commoners provided goods or services to the ruling class in exchange for protection and other benefits.

Agriculture: The practice of farming that was essential for sustaining the population, with commoners primarily engaged in cultivating crops like maize and beans.