According to the consensus chronology of Mesoamerica , many Mayan cities reached their highest state of development during the Classical period c. Women within Mayan society were limited in regards to status, marriage, and inheritance. In all pre-Columbian societies, marriage was the ideal state for women beyond the age of puberty. Noble women were often married to the rulers of neighboring kingdoms, thus creating dynastic alliances [8] Although the majority of these women had few political responsibilities, they were vital to the political fabric of the state.
They owned what could be termed feminine goods which included household objects, domestic animals, beehives, and their own clothing.
Women within Aztec society were groomed from birth to be wives and mothers and to produce tribute goods that each household owed. Each girl was given small spindles and shuttles to symbolize her future role in household production. It is estimated that as many as ninety-five percent of indigenous women were married.
Although women were allowed to inherit property, their rights to it were more to usage rights. When the Spanish conquistadores arrived in Mexico, they needed help to conquer the land. Although often overlooked in the history of the conquest, individual women facilitated the defeat of the powerful Aztec Empire. Women possessed knowledge of the land and the local language.
During the conquest women were viewed as objects that could be exploited by men to gain a higher standing in society. Malinche was considered a spoil of conquest to the males surrounding her and originally intended to sexually please the soldiers.
