Aztec Religion
The Aztec religion was a complex set of beliefs, rituals, and mythologies that were integral to the daily life, governance, and societal structure of the Aztec Empire. Here's an overview:
Deities
- Huitzilopochtli - The god of war and the sun, patron deity of the Mexica, and central to the Aztec pantheon.
- Quetzalcoatl - A creator god, often depicted as a feathered serpent, associated with learning, priesthood, and the wind.
- Tlaloc - God of rain, fertility, and water, vital for agriculture.
- Tezcatlipoca - The omnipotent god of providence, often portrayed as a rival to Quetzalcoatl, associated with the night sky, sorcery, and destiny.
- Xipe Totec - The flayed god, associated with the cycle of life, death, and rebirth, and agriculture.
Mythology and Cosmology
Aztec mythology includes stories about the creation of the world, the role of deities, and the fate of humanity. The universe was believed to be structured into 13 heavens above and 9 underworlds below the Earth. The Aztecs held that the current era, the Fifth Sun, was created by the gods sacrificing themselves to keep the sun moving.
Rituals and Practices
- Human Sacrifice: One of the most controversial aspects, human sacrifices were performed to appease the gods, ensure fertility, and maintain the cosmic order. These rituals often involved prisoners of war or slaves.
- Calendars: The Aztec calendar was dual, consisting of the Tonalpohualli (a 260-day ritual cycle) and the Xiuhpohualli (a 365-day solar calendar). Both were used to determine the timing of religious ceremonies.
- Temples: Pyramidal temples like the Templo Mayor in Tenochtitlan were centers for religious activities where rituals, including sacrifices, took place.
- Pilgrimages: Pilgrimages to sacred places like Chalma were common, especially during significant festivals.
Historical Context
The Aztec religion evolved from earlier Mesoamerican traditions, incorporating elements from the Toltec and Maya civilization. It was a state religion, heavily intertwined with the political structure of the Aztec Empire, which rose to prominence in the 14th century and was at its height during the 15th and early 16th centuries before the Spanish conquest in 1521.
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