hey all shared the same language, Nahuatl. This commonality enabled open communication between the groups, which makes it less surprising to learn that the Aztec's first king was actually a nobleman adopted from another group. His name was Acampicktli and he created the dynasty that ruled Tenochtitlan. This great city's dynasty would rule central Mexico by 1428 and would continue to rule until the Spanish invasion of 1519.
             The idea of family is a core concept of Aztec life. The Aztecs consider family to be any group of persons living under the same roof, or in some cases, within a set of homes, which was the case when two married couples would merge into one family. Kinship was also evident between men of power. They had close ties and treated each other like family.
             Aztec Society was one of nobles and commoners. Kings were chosen from among the nobility. Most often, nobility was a birthright. Commoners were expected to serve the nobility by laboring their land. Artisans and merchants were not required to work the land, as they served the nobility in their own right. The lowest rung on the social ladder was the slave, although some disagree, believing that there were simply differing levels of commoners. Slaves were often given the lowest stature because of crimes they had committed. It was a form of punishment, even though they were still free to marry and socialize.
             The hierarchy was not set in stone. Commoners were welcome to boost their status by becoming priests, merchants or soldiers. Due to the commonality of all goods available, nobility was not easily distinguished from commoners in terms of material processions. Differences were evident only in their work and roles in society.
             During the late postclassic time population densities in Central Mexico were extremely high by pre-industrial standards. A population boom was evident (Smith and Hodge 1994:17). What was the cause? It is poss...