At the top of Mexico's social structure, the military elite received the greatest number of public honors and rewards . Although common people could sometimes improve their social standing by distinguishing themselves on the battlefield, most of the military elite came from the Mexican aristocracy who could have the best training and more opportunities to display talent on the battlefield. Mexican society was a strict hierarchy, as the military elite also received large land grants and tribute from the common people. In addition, there was a council with the most successful warriors to discuss public issues, holding government posts. This elite class lived luxuriously, eating the richest foods such as turkey, pheasant, duck, venison, wild boar and rabbit with spices such as vanilla and cocoa as tribute. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Mexico's social structure was also reflected in laws that required commoners to wear burlap but allowed aristocrats to wear cotton. Warriors distinguished themselves from society by wearing brightly colored cloaks, lip plugs, and eagle feathers after capturing enemies. Receiving special education in the tradition of the calendar and rituals, the priests were another elite class. They conducted religious ceremonies that Mexico deemed necessary to continue the world. Advising the rulers of Mexico, they had political influence because they read omens and explained the forces that guided the world. Some priests became rulers of the Aztec empires, such as Motecuzoma II, a popular cult leader. Enjoying prestige in society, skilled craftsmen who produced luxury items for the elite, such as gold, silver cotton fabrics, and tropical bird feathers played an important role in long-distance trade. They not only provided luxury goods, but also provided aristocrats with military and political information. Since merchants were usually seen as greedy profiteers, aristocratic warriors extorted wealth and goods from merchants without powerful patrons to protect them. Mexican society was composed mostly of commoners who lived in hamlets cultivating chinampas assigned to their families by the calpulli. Calpulli were initially groups or clans of families descended from common ancestors, but these transformed to play a political role in organizing community affairs. Commoners also worked on aristocrats' lands and on public works projects, such as palaces, temples, roads, and irrigation systems. Cultivators paid tribute to state agents, who distributed it among aristocrats and stored the rest in state granaries and warehouses. Finally, many slaves were at the bottom of Mexican society. Working as domestic servants, they were usually Mexicans sold into serfdom by their families or due to criminal behavior. Mexican society was extremely patriarchal, as all warrior elites were men who held political power. Respected for their role in the family, women were influential within families and enjoyed honor as mothers of warriors. However, they could not inherit property or hold office and were required by law to obey their fathers and husbands. Women often performed artisanal work in the market, such as embroidery and sewing, but were primarily recognized as mothers and homemakers. They also had the responsibility of caring for children and preparing food for the family..