Did Native American Civilizations Have a Conception of Economics? A Comparative Study Between Aztec and European Models
Introduction
The Aztec civilization, a prominent indigenous culture of pre-Columbian America, developed a sophisticated system of economics that contrasted significantly with the models prevalent in medieval and early modern Europe. This article explores the economic systems of the Aztecs and compares them with their counterparts in Europe to highlight the similarities and differences.The Aztec Economy
The Aztec economy was based on three fundamental components: agricultural goods, tribute, and trade. Agriculture played a crucial role, providing the sustenance for the large Aztec population. However, not every good required for the daily lives of Aztecs was locally produced. For instance, the white cotton used in textiles could not grow at the high altitude of the Valley of Mexico, necessitating the importation of this resource from southern, semi-tropical regions.Trade was a cornerstone of the Aztec economy, essential for the survival and prosperity of the empire. Two key types of trading distinguished the Aztec system: local regional markets and long-distance luxury trades. Local regional markets were prevalent in every Aztec city and village, typically located near the city center. These markets were bustling hubs where utilitarian goods such as cloth, garden produce, food, animals, obsidian knives, and tools were exchanged.
One of the key markets was the Tlatelolco in sister city to Tenochtitlan, which attracted a daily crowd of 60,000 people. Regional markets were overseen by government trade officials who ensured fair transactions and regulated prices. To facilitate trade, four levels of market hierarchy were established: the grand daily Tlatelolco market, markets at Xochimilco and Texcoco, every-five-day markets at other Aztec cities, and small village markets.
Long-Distance Trade and Luxury Goods
Long-distance trade was a complex and vital component of the Aztec economy. The pochteca, professional merchants, played a significant role in acquiring luxury goods highly valued by the nobility. These goods included feathers from tropical birds, rare gems, jewelry, and pottery from other Mesoamerican cultures. The pochteca often fulfilled other roles such as spies for the emperor, disguising themselves as traders to gather crucial information or trade in easily carried goods such as gems and rare feathers.Professional merchants within the pochteca system had their own laws, settlements, and even a deity. They had a special place in Aztec society, earning tribute and performing crucial functions such as trade and intelligence gathering.
Comparative Analysis with European Economic Models
To gain a more holistic understanding, let us compare the Aztec economic model with that of Europe.Social and Economic Structure
Unlike the rigid feudal system in European societies, the Aztec economy was more communal and meritocratic. Trade and market activities in Aztec society were highly regulated and integrated into the social fabric, with government officials overseeing transactions. In Europe, marketplaces were often the only venue where social hierarchies were temporarily dissolved, allowing for interactions among diverse groups.Similarly, while European economies relied heavily on serfdom and manorialism, the Aztec economy was based on tribute, where conquered peoples were often required to provide goods and labor to the rulers. This system allowed for a more fluid exchange of goods and ideas between the urban and rural populations, as seen in the regional markets of independent Mayan states.
Political Control and Tribute
Aztec tribute systems were highly centralized and controlled by the ruling elite, with officials collecting taxes and tributes from interlocking markets. This practice was akin to the collection of customs duties and taxation in European cities and kingdoms, but it was enforced with a more cohesive legal and social framework in the Aztec empire.In Europe, feudal lords collected tithes and taxes, but their ability to control trade and commerce was often limited by the autonomy of local markets and the influence of the church. The Aztec system, on the other hand, maintained a more uniform distribution of economic power.
Currency and Exchange
A significant difference between the Aztec and European economies was the form of currency. In Europe, coinage played a vital role in trade and commerce, facilitating standardized value for goods and services. Aztec markets, however, did not use a standardized currency but instead relied on the exchange of goods and bartering systems.The use of cacao beans as a form of currency in the Aztec economy was equivalent to the European use of silver and gold coins. Both systems recognized the value of goods and facilitated trade, but the Aztec system was more flexible and localized.
Concluding Remarks
The Aztec economy, while vastly different from that of medieval and early modern Europe in terms of structure, social hierarchy, and the form of currency, still shared fundamental principles with European economic models: the necessity of trade, the importance of tribute, and the role of government in regulating economic activities.Understanding these economic systems provides valuable insights into the complex nature of indigenous civilizations and the diverse ways in which human societies have organized their economies throughout history. The Aztec model stands out not only for its sophistication but also for its adaptability and resilience in the face of changing circumstances.