Calpulli

Definition

A calpulli was a fundamental organizational unit in Aztec society, functioning as a community group or clan that managed land, resources, and social responsibilities. Each calpulli consisted of extended families and held collective ownership of land, facilitating agricultural production and providing social services. This system was vital for maintaining the structure and functioning of the Aztec civilization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Each calpulli was responsible for its own agricultural production, social services, and education, ensuring community cohesion and support.
2. Calpullis had their own leaders, called calpulli chiefs, who represented their group's interests in larger political assemblies.
3. The calpulli system allowed for the distribution of labor among families, which was crucial for maintaining the agricultural output needed to sustain the growing population of the Aztec Empire.
4. Calpullis were often composed of families who shared a common ancestor, creating strong kinship ties that fostered loyalty and cooperation within the group.
5. As the Aztec Empire expanded, calpullis played a key role in integrating conquered peoples by incorporating them into the existing community structures.

Review Questions

• How did the calpulli system contribute to social organization and stability within the Aztec civilization?
  • The calpulli system was essential for social organization in the Aztec civilization as it created structured communities based on kinship ties. Each calpulli managed its own resources and responsibilities, which fostered cooperation among members. This collective ownership of land and duties ensured that families worked together effectively to support each other, thereby enhancing social stability and cohesion across the empire.
• Discuss the role of calpullis in agricultural production within the Aztec Empire. How did this system impact food security?
  • Calpullis were instrumental in agricultural production as they organized families to work collectively on shared lands. This communal approach allowed for efficient farming practices, maximizing yields through shared labor. By ensuring that each calpulli maintained its agricultural output, the system contributed significantly to food security for the broader Aztec society, enabling them to support a large urban population and sustain their complex civilization.
• Evaluate the significance of calpullis in facilitating social integration among diverse groups within the Aztec Empire after conquests.
  • Calpullis played a crucial role in facilitating social integration among conquered groups by providing a familiar community structure that encouraged participation in Aztec society. The inclusion of new peoples into existing calpullis helped to maintain stability by fostering loyalty through shared responsibilities and kinship ties. This integration was key to the expansion of the empire as it allowed for smoother assimilation of diverse cultures while reinforcing the overarching authority of the Aztec state.

Related terms

tlatoani: The tlatoani was the supreme ruler of an Aztec city-state, often viewed as a god-king who held significant power and influence over political and religious matters.

chinampa: Chinampas were floating gardens used by the Aztecs for agriculture, allowing for year-round farming and efficient use of lake resources.

pilli: Pilli referred to the noble class within Aztec society, which held higher status and land ownership compared to commoners.