The Aztec once ruled a mighty empire. They were an
advanced civilization located in what is modern day
Mexico. The high point of their civilization came in
the fifteenth century. In 1521, the Spaniards conquered
their empire which began the decline of their
civilization. The Aztec civilization can be understood
through their religious practices, the architecture they
built, and the sculpture they left behind.
The Aztec practiced a multitheistic religion that
required the sacrifice of human beings to appease their
gods. As with many ancient civilizations, their
religion reflected their everyday needs. Tlaloc, the
rain god, was a very important god. Because they had an
agricultural based economy, their livelihood was deeply
dependent on having enough rain. This rain god was both
feared and honored in hopes that he would bless them
with abundant rain for their crops. Huitzilopochitli
was another important god. He was the god of War that
protected the Aztec from outside aggressors. Human
sacrifice was needed to appease this god. When
possible, prisoners were used for the sacrifices, but
children and slaves were often sacrificed as well. This
work was carried out by priests who would cut out the
heart of the innocent victims.
The architecture of the Aztec expressed both their
religious practices and their form of government.
Religious ceremonies were carried out in great pyramids
that were made of heavy stones. Step-like rows of
The Term Paper on The Aztec civilization and the Mayan civilization
... Aztec religion is their human sacrifice made to the different gods. Although human sacrifice was practiced around Mesoamerica, the Aztecs practiced human sacrifice ... these indians and their civilizations as the Aztec civilization but their original ... gods were four creating gods. Below these four gods were many other gods, however the most important were Tlaloc, the rain god, Chalchihuitlicue, the god ...
stairs led up to a temple at the top where the
sacrifices were carried out. One of the best examples
of their pyramid architecture can still be seen at Santa
Cecilia, Mexico from the ruins that have been left
there. In addition, they built large and elegant
palaces for their rulers who were emperors. The
greatest palace was built in the capital city which was
Tenochtitlan. Archaeologists have uncovered many
artifacts that were once part of Aztec palace life, as
well as artifacts used in temple worship .
The sculpture of the Aztec is perhaps the greatest
evidence of their multitheistic religious practices and
warlike ways. “Aztec sculpture is famous for its
massive monumental quality, as exemplified in the figure
of Coatlicue, mother of the gods and earth goddess”. It
was typical of the Aztecs to erect huge images of the
gods they wished to please in the hope of earning the
god’s favor. The huge idols had combined features of
men and demon-like qualities. Likewise, the warring
spirit of the Aztec can be seen in the sculptured
helmets that the warriors wore into battle. It was
believed that these helmets would bring them greater
power.
The civilization of the Aztec people endured for
less than a century. Yet it is evident that they were a
civilization of passions and accomplishments. We know
this because of the rich artifacts that they have left
behind. As a result of this legacy we understand their
religious culture and their achievements in architecture
and sculpture which both reflect the kind of society
they were.
