Were the Aztecs involved in any slave trade?

Question

I know they had slaves and those slaves had more rights than the slaves in the Americas in the 17-1800s but I was just wondering if the Aztecs actually were involved in trading slaves...

Answer 1

Many Aztec slaves had been captured in war, but the Aztecs also bought slaves from other groups, so, yes, there was an Aztec slave market. Other slaves were criminals or people who could not pay debts.

Answer 2

The slaves the Aztecs used were prisoners taken in war from conquered peoples adn brought into the cities to perform menial tasks, work in the homes of the rich and the like. THEY understood that by treating the slaves well, they would have no (or at least less) reason to try and run away and would preform their duties more satisfactorally. And yes they did have more rights than the Slaves in the US did, but then the basis for it was different and the Aztecs recognized the humanity of their slaves. Aztec slavery was not based on religious or racial prejudice, it was more a matter of practicality. That understanding was a part of their religious belief...and...well....you know the rest

Answer 3

Yes, they were captured and worked as slaves during the testing period of this nation.

Slaves were an investment and in order to get the most out of slaves or indentured-servants (caucasian) you needed one that was the most durable and built up the best tolerance to foriegn disease. Anglio Saxons, Native Americans, Aztecs, Asians or Spanish dropped like flies. This is why the African was the ideal choice. He was not the first choice though. Native people were the first choice because you didnt need to smuggle them across an ocean, but the Anglio Saxon Flu killed him more easily. The practice of slavery went on in the US for 400 years.

Answer 4

Yes, they bought and sold people like any other slave traders. They may not have gotten them from Africa, but the got them from other areas.

B-Cool

Answer 5

Yes, very active.