War and the Mixtec Social Class System

Social Class System:

The Mixtecs were arranged in an aristocracy, composed of the nobility and a massive common class. The common class consisted of farmers, tradesmen, artisans, and a smaller group of tenant farmers, servants, and slaves. Those of the aristocratic nobility were thought to have been subdivided into a ruling-caste family, and a groupf of nobles who served as administrators, assistants, and advisers for community rulers.

Warfare: 

Localized skirmishes were often fought between neighboring communities. Engagements were fought over boundaries. Taking of Mixtec slaves would induce a fight among the people. Mixtecs allied with other communities to fight in the Spanish Conquest, also.

Their weaponry consisted of bows and arrows, macanas, spear-throwers, darts, and shields. The nobles wore padded cotton armor and often dressed elegantly for battle. Foot soldiers went into battle naked with face paint(Spores, pg 9 and 14).