Editing Aztec warfare (section)

===Warrior societies===
Commoners excelling in warfare could be promoted to the noble class and could enter some of the warrior societies (at least the Eagles and Jaguars). Sons of nobles trained at the Calmecac, however, were expected to enter into one of the societies as they progressed through the ranks. Warriors could shift from one society and into another when they became sufficiently proficient; exactly how this happened is uncertain. Each society had different styles of dress and equipment as well as styles of body paint and adornments.

====Tlamanih====
The Tlamanih were commoners who had taken one captive.<ref>{{Cite book |last=McKrause |first=Stanford |title=Wealth and poverty: Aztec standard of living |publisher=Cambridge Stanford Books}}</ref>

====Cuextecatl====
Two captive warriors, recognizable by their red and black tlahuiztli and conical hats. This rank was introduced after the military campaign against the [[Huastec civilization|Huastec]] led by [[Tlahtoāni]] [[Ahuitzotl]].

====Papalotl====
Papalotl (lit. butterfly) were warriors who had taken three captives; this rank wore "butterfly" like banners on their backs.<ref>{{Cite book |last=McKrause |first=Stanford |title=Wealth and poverty: Aztec standard of living |publisher=Cambridge Stanford Books.}}</ref>

====Eagle and Jaguar warriors====

{{Main|Eagle warrior}}{{Main|Jaguar warrior}}

Aztec warriors were called a cuāuhocēlōtl {{IPA|nah|kʷaːwo'seːloːt͡ɬ|}}. The word cuāuhocēlōtl derives from the Eagle warrior cuāuhtli {{IPA|nah|kʷaːwt͡ɬi|}} and the Jaguar Warrior ocēlōtl {{IPA|nah|o'seːloːt͡ɬ|}}. Those Aztec warriors who demonstrated the most bravery and who fought well became either jaguar or eagle warriors. Of all of the Aztec warriors, they were the most feared. Both the jaguar and eagle Aztec warriors wore distinguishing helmets and uniforms. The jaguars were identifiable by the jaguar skins they wore over their entire body, with only their faces showing from within the jaguar head. The eagle Aztec warriors, on the other hand, wore feathered helmets including an open beak.

====Otomies====
{{main|Otomi (military)}}

The Otomies (''Otōntin'') {{IPA|nah|oˈtoːntin|}}) were another warrior society who took their name from the [[Otomi people]] who were renowned for their fierce fighting. In the historical sources, it is often difficult to discern whether the word ''otomitl'' "Otomi" refers to members of the Aztec warrior society or members of the ethnic group who also often joined the Aztec armies as mercenaries or allies. A celebrated member of this warrior sect was [[Tzilacatzin]].

====The Shorn Ones====
The "Shorn Ones" (''Cuachicqueh'' {{IPA|nah|kʷaˈt͡ʃikkeʔ|}}, plural. ''Cuachic'', singular) was the most prestigious warrior society&nbsp;– their heads were shaved apart from a long braid over the left ear. Their bald heads and faces were painted one-half blue and another half red or yellow. They served as imperial shock troops and took on special tasks as well as battlefield assistance roles when needed. Over six captives and dozens of other heroic deeds were required for this rank. They apparently turned down captaincies in order to remain constant battlefield combatants. Recognizable by their yellow tlahuiztli, they had sworn not to take a step backward during a battle on pain of death at the hands of their comrades.<ref>Hassig, R. 1988, pp. 45–46.</ref>