Tax Payment and Conquest of Altepetl

The Aztec taxation system was a crucial aspect of their imperial structure, particularly following the conquest of an altepetl, or city-state. Upon subjugation, the victorious Aztecs imposed a yearly tax on the conquered territory, which was typically paid in the form of the most valuable local products. Historical records, such as the Codex Mendoza, document the various goods supplied by subject towns, ranging from luxury items like feathers and greenstone beads to essential commodities such as cloth, firewood, and food. Tax payments were generally made two to four times a year, reflecting the economic practices of the time. Archaeological findings in provinces under Aztec control reveal that while there were benefits to being part of the empire, such as enhanced trade and access to exotic goods, there were also significant drawbacks for the local populace. The incorporation into the Aztec Empire facilitated commerce, allowing goods like obsidian and bronze to circulate among both commoners and nobles. Trade networks extended even to rival groups, such as the Purépecha, who provided valuable bronze tools and jewelry. However, the tax burden often fell heavily on commoner households, compelling them to work harder to meet their obligations. In contrast, the local nobility frequently benefited from the imperial system, as they were granted privileges in exchange for their cooperation in tax collection and maintaining order. This duality of impact illustrates the complexities of Aztec rule, where the economic advantages of trade and access to resources coexisted with the pressures of taxation on the lower classes.