ThePipiltin (sg.pilli) were thenoblesocial class in theMexica Empire. They are the lowest nobles in the civilization's social structure and above the commoners who achieved noble status due to an outstanding deed in war. These people were members of the hereditary nobility and occupied positions in thegovernment as ambassadors and ministers, the army and thepriesthood. Pipiltin often headed their own noble houses, calledtecalli, with their own lands and dependent labourers. The subclasses within thePipiltin were:tlahtohcapilli (atlahtoani's son),tecpilli orteucpilli (ateuctli's son),tlazohpilli (son of a legitimate wife), andcalpanpilli (son of aconcubine).[1]
Children of thePipiltin were given extensive education in preparation for the role they would play in their adult life. They were sent to thecalmecac, which was the center for higher learning, to study the ancient wisdom as well as "elegant forms of speech, ancient hymns, poems and historical accounts, religious doctrines, the calendar, astronomy, astrology, legal precepts and the art of the government."[2]
As theAztecs began settling what would later become their homelands, an elite emerged (thePipiltin) that claimed descent from theToltecs, the former empire of CentralMexico. The new hereditary elite unified the clans that had been the center ofAztec life and paved the way for a conquest empire. Some sources describe thePipiltin as the offspring oftlahtohqueh andteteuctin, which were different social classes within the ruling nobility.[1]
The name was also where thePipil people of western El Salvador get their name, as they are descendants of Toltec people who migrated and settle in El Salvador.
The authority and prestige of thePipiltin were based on the belief that they descended from the original migrant founders of the Aztecs and came from a mythical place.[3] Due to this heritage, they enjoyed privileges such as special family dispensation, the use of privilege goods and dwellings that were appropriate to their station.[3]
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