Cortés Reports on Tlatelolco Market

Cortés provided a detailed account of the Tlatelolco market, which was a central hub for commerce in the Aztec Empire, located in Tenochtitlan's sister city. The market was characterized by its high level of organization, with a system of supervisors in place to ensure that only authorized merchants were permitted to sell their goods. This structure not only regulated the flow of commerce but also maintained the quality and authenticity of the products available to consumers. The market was a vibrant space that included both petty vendors and professional merchants, reflecting a diverse economic landscape. Among these merchants were the pochteca, specialized long-distance traders who played a crucial role in the economy. Organized into exclusive guilds, the pochteca undertook extensive expeditions throughout Mesoamerica, acquiring exotic luxury goods that were highly sought after in the market. Their dual role as traders and market supervisors underscored their importance in maintaining the integrity of the trading system.