A 'Mafia Protection Racket'

The political governance of the empire has sometimes been referred to as ‘a mafia protection racket’ because of its system of leaving regional control to local rulers who would each pay tribute to the Aztec emperor. In return they would enjoy the privileges of being a part of the empire, which included access to trade routes connecting them with other parts of the empire which may otherwise have been unavailable to them.

Aside from the tributes which had to be paid, the majority of conquered cities were left free to live according to their own beliefs and traditions. One exception to this was Taluca Valley, which saw rulers set up and immigrants moved in by the empire after its conquest in AD 1475. However, more usually the Aztec empire used a model of indirect control.

Lanuage and Writing

Because of the common trade market, and the number of different cities and polities involved in the state, a common language – Nahuatl – was used to communicate.

A written language which could be used by speakers of many languages was also developed in response to the need for record keeping in order to administrate the vast empire. The logographic writing system may have been an advantage in helping them to communicate across the empire’s 50 to 60 states – which covered most of central Mexico at its height - and helped the rulers of the empire to keep records of political dealings with subject-kings, track important dates which would be recognised across the empire, and record their history.

Sources

• Anon. (2006-2008) Mexicolore (accessed November 26, 2009)
• Callahan, K.L. (1997) Mesoamerican Governments (accessed November 27, 2009)
• Hooker, R. (1993-2009) Civilisations in America (accessed November 26, 2009)
• Webster, D. and Evans, S.T. (2009) ‘Mesoamerican Civilization’ in C. Scarre (ed.) (2009) The Human Past, London, Thames and Hudson, pp.594-639

San Diego News Network — Mon Feb 22 12:00:00 UTC 2010 Over 3,000 National City businesses will soon see refunds from the city government after it implemented certain fees some deemed “illegal.” about: Attorney Aztec Printing Aztec Printing Co Business Fees City Attorney city council City Council Committee on Chicano Rights Edward Teyssier Fourth District Court of Appeal George Eiser Herman Baca http://wwwsdnncom/sandiego/2010-02-22/politics-city-county-government/national-city-biz-owner-calls-victory-against-city-governmentA Mayor Morrison National City National City government NC Council owner Politics & Government president ron morrison San Diego SDNN

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National City biz owner calls ‘victory’ against city government