The Aztec Empire's Religious Beliefs

Words: 1190
Pages: 5
Open Document
The Aztec How much do you know about the Aztec Empire’s religious beliefs? The Aztecs worshiped many Gods, and even believed in higher-beings that created those Gods. They had their own religious rituals, involving sacrifice, which is what the Ancient Aztecs are most commonly known for. They also had many festivals, and traditions as with any other religion. The Aztecs, called themselves the Mexica. They were very family oriented, which also revolved around religious beliefs.
The Aztecs originated from Northern Mexico, but built their Empire in the beginning of the thirteenth century in what we know today as, Central Mexico. According to an article on The History Chanel’s website, “...Aztecs emerged as the dominant force in central Mexico, …show more content…
The Aztec book was called codices, which was written by priest, but very few have been found, none complete. The most important pieces of their empire, the two calendars were preserved. Also, some of their structures were saved and are still standing today. Wall painting and some writing have been found. We now know they spoke a language called Nahuatl. The writing system was dots and bars, for larger numbers they would use symbols like a feather or flag. They also used hieroglyphics, to easy describe …show more content…
Sacrificing was the major ritual among the Aztec. It was believed the sun would not rise without a blood sacrifice. Sacrifices would normally take place on top of the temple. Performed by five Priests, the one being sacrificed would lay on a slab, being held by four of the priests, with a ceremonial knife the fifth priest would slice open the body of the sacrifice and remove the still beating heart as an offering to the Gods. While this ritual was being performed, everyone would self-inflict themselves to bleed as well to show dedication. After the ritual was over, they would throw the body of the one that was sacrificed down the steps of the temple. Another ritual the Aztecs practiced was the reenactment of important event that shaped their empire, like battles, and stories of their Gods. The Aztecs also had many festivals, and rituals for those festivals. There were three rain festivals, in hopes for good harvests. The First in the being of the season, the next when the crops start blooming, and the last in autumn. The Fire Festival was one of the most important festivals, in hopes it would avoid the destruction of the world when the two calendars overlapped every fifty-two years. Once a year, the priests would dress up in costumes to travel up their sacred mountain Uixachtlan, while the rest of the people would put-out all fires, and sit on top of their
Show More

Related Documents: The Aztec Empire's Religious Beliefs

AP World Review Assignment Chapters 11 15 Essay

Hit List: Key: Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 I agree with the top 10 picks ­Trevor 1. $*Aztecs­ After the Toltec Empire was destroyed, the Aztecs took control and established an early American empire characterized by sacrificial beliefs, intensive agricultural production, and tribute systems, in the new capital of Tenochtitlan in central mexico. 2. $*Incas­ a group in the Americas that built another strong American empire that focused on integrating thei…

Words 1483 - Pages 6

Re-Creation of the New World Essay

spices and trading goods. Secondly, rulers of these exploring countries always needed to maintain borders and start new wars. The same rulers of these various countries greatly wanted to expand their empire and spread Christianity. Lastly, seeking religious freedom became widespread throughout Europe. This same cause would later change to wanting land ownership and wealth. Thus, recreation of the New World was strongly due to the greed of exploration. From 1450 to 1750 is referred as the “Age of Exploration…

Words 1005 - Pages 5

Compare The Reasons For The Development And Growth Of Indian Ocean Trade

Part 3 (Chapters 8­13) Study Guide * Chapter 8 Why were luxuries, rather than necessities, the items that traveled the longest distances along early trade routes? They paid for the expensive travel and because luxury goods like wine could travel and last a lot longer than necessities like food and meats . Compare the reasons for the development and growth of Indian Ocean trade with the reasons for Silk Road trade development/growth . Bulk goods couldn’t be carried on the Silk Road…

Words 4985 - Pages 20

Thirteen Colonies and New World Essay

Exchange. Catholic Church played a key role in society. Hernan Cortes ( The first explorer to encounter a major American civilization in 1519 arrived at Tenochtitlan, nerve of the Aztec empire.) Cortez arrives in the New World with the Spanish army which instantly creates hostility between Aztecs and Spanish. He defeats the Aztecs in 1521. Why?- Conquest was inspired by search for wealth, national glory, and a desire to spread Christianity. Francisco Pizarro beat the Incas in 1535. Disease helped them…

Words 8026 - Pages 33