Aztec Economy?

Question

Can anyone explain a little about the aztecs economy to me???

Answer 1

All meso-american economies were slave based. Not out of some prejudice but rather out of necessity.

The only pack animal in the Meso-American area - until the arrival of European explorers with horses, was the Llama, which is mean-tempered and is not easily able to be domesticated. It's other major drawback is that when it bites owners/handlers it does not let go, willingly.

It's possible that the llama could have been/could be selectively bred for domestication or docile behavior but that would have required an intentional program lasting many decades.

Answer 2

Aztec marketing contains a network of market places (Tenochtitlan and Tlatelolco to name a few), various currencies, and a variety of consumers.  They would sell shells, beads, jaguar pelts, plumage, jade, and other goods.  As currencies they used cacao beans were the most common from of currency.  At one point, counterfeit beans began circulating among the buyers and sellers.  The Aztecs then took measures to catch and punish offenders.  Bartering was also acceptable.  Tlatelolco's market normall served 20000-25000 people daily and twice that much on every fifth day.

Hope that helps.