THE ALTEPETL – THE BASIC UNIT OF A SOCIOPOLITICAL ORGANIZATION IN LATE POST-CALSSIC CENTRAL MEXICO

Abstract

The altepetl (pl. aletpeme) was the basic political entity in Late Post-classic Central Mexico (from the half of 14th century to Spanish Conquest). This is the Nahutal term usually translated as city-state. Like other city-states (for example poleis) altpetl was characterized by small territory, one central town and a ruler called tlatoani. Altepeme was founded by immigrant people from the north of modern Mexico, called Chichimecs. Tlatoani ruled the altepetl as a despot, and decided about both internal and external affairs. In Tenochtitlan, which is the best described altepetl, tlatoque were chosen by the elite electors. Cihuacoatl and the Council of Four formed a type of „central administration” and gave advice to the ruler. Tlaxcallan is an example of a complex altepetl, which was ruled by not a single tlatoani, but a council consist the highest nobility. Another example of complex altepetl is Chalco. However a Chalco was a kind of a complex confederacy.