Aztec culture was driven on a foundation of Warfare. The Aztec system was divided into "castes" or classes which had a designed role to support Aztec Warriors. War was the driving force of the Aztec economy and religion. Te Aztec empire was structured with a central government with an emperor who had complete control. The secondary chain of command was given to priests and warriors. These roles were filled with nobles who enjoyed more splendor among the commoners in the city.
The aztec army was composed mainly of levies, commoners who were conscripted into the army. All aztec men received basic military training from an early age. The Aztec commoners were able to obtain a higher status through military achievements, usually by the taking of prisoners. This was the only way for commoners to progress in society.
Aztec Regular Units
Common warriors were divided into companies known as Calpulli. Each Calpulli was then divided into fourths and each one was lead by nobles from the region each group was recruited from. In the aztec city, Tenochhtitlan, there was usually 20 Calpultin stationed which was led by the emperors own family. Before each battle the leader of each group would appoint a new successor in case he died in battle.
Armies were also accompanied by priests who carried effigies of their gods. Young boys would also take up the role of porters and carry weapons and supplies for the army.
Elite Aztec Warriors
The noble military class formed special military elite units much like the commoners. These units were formed from warrior societies such as the Eagle and the Jaguar or the "Shorn Ones". Each society had different styles of dress, tactics, equipment and even body painting styles and ornaments. Higher ranked officials wore finer and more spectacular attire. Sons of nobles were expected to progress through these ranks and commoners who excelled or gained achievements in war could join one of these groups. It was an honour to belong to this group.
Eagle and Jaguar Warrior Societies
These were the largest of the warrior societies.The eagle warriors were the scouts of the army. they were the eyes and ears of the military and would often have to sneek up to opposing enemy lines and gather info to take back to their own military. This vital information would help the Aztec army form and stratigize plans for the upcoming battles. They were excellent fighters and carried brightly coloured shields. Their uniforms consisted of an eagles head with the warriors face peeking from the eagles beak. The warrior would then adourn their Armour and weapons with feathers.
Jaguar warriors were known as the brute force of the army. They were best known for their fighting. These warriors wore Jaguar pelts over their heads and the warriors face peering under the jaguars mouth. They were associated with the gods of night.
The headquarters for the Eagle and aguar warriors was known as Quauccalli- "The Eagle House" in Tenochtitlan. To be eligible to join this order a person had to capture four prisoners in battle. The benefits of joining the Eagle and Jaguar warriors was plentiful. It allowed the newcomer to have a higher rank in society and wear finer clothing such as military clothing in public. They could also feast in the Aztec royal palace and feast on human flesh if they so chose. They could also take concubines and drink in public.
Otomies
The Otomies were fierce warriors who were allies of the Aztecs. The Otomie people were one of the first inhabitants of central America before the arrival of Nahuati speakers around 1000 AD.
The Shorn Ones
The "Shorn Ones" was the most prestigious warrior society. A general would always be a member of this group. They shaved their heads except for a long braid above their left ear. They painted the other side of their heads with bright colours to show their ferocity. They were renown for not taking a backwards step in battle and had to take an oath to promise not to or they would suffer death from their fellow warriors. They fought with unusually long wooden poles called Pamitl with feathers and banners flying from them. The banner was attached to their backs to prevent them from being hindered.
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