The Aztec Economy

This Element provides a synthesis and updated examination of the Aztec economy (1325–1521 AD).

Frances F. Berdan (Author)

9781009368094, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 18 May 2023

75 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 0.5 cm, 0.161 kg

The Aztec Economy provides a synthesis and updated examination of the Aztec economy (1325–1521 AD). It is organized around seven components that recur with other Elements in this series: historic and geographic background, domestic economy, institutional economy, specialization, forms of distribution and commercialization, economic development, and future directions. The Aztec world was complex, hierarchical, and multifaceted, and was in a constant state of demographic growth, recoveries from natural disasters, political alignments and realignments, and aggressive military engagements. The economy was likewise complex and dynamic, and characterized by intensive agriculture, exploitation of non-agricultural resources, utilitarian and luxury manufacturing, wide-scale specialization, merchants, markets, commodity monies, and tribute systems.

1. Space and Time in the Aztec World
2. Domestic Economy
3. Institutional Economy
4. Specialization
5. Forms of Distribution and Commercialization
6. Economic Development
7. Future Directions
References.

Subject Areas: Archaeology [HD]