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The Aztecs Essay

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The Aztecs Essay
The Aztecs

The Aztecs were one of the greatest civilizations to be established during the 13th century. Although,their origins are unknown,they most likely began as a nomadic tribe,establishing themselves in central Mexico. The Aztecs had a profound respect towards their gods,and believed in prophecies,because of this they settled in central Mexico. “ When the Aztecs saw an eagle perched on a cactus on the marshy land near the southwest border of Lake Texcoco, they took it as a sign to build their settlement there.” ( ) Their arrival contributed to the downfall of the previous dominant mesoamerican civilization,the Toltecs. The Aztecs grew into an unstoppable force as they formed alliances with two of the most powerful city-states,Texcoco, and Tlacopan. “ Religion and war dominated Aztec society.” With this deadly combination the Aztec quickly became one of the most powerful civilizations in Mesoamerica.

Agriculture & Architecture The Aztecs when settling down in central Mexico,and had to drain the swampy land in order to create an adequate place to farm. They created floating gardens
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As the Aztecs conquered nearby land they collected war prisoners and locked them away until needed for a sacrifice. One of the most important gods in the Aztec religion,was Huitzilopochtli the sun and war god. They believed that by sacrificing humans the sun god would continue providing them with light and warmth. “Prisoners typically went willingly, as Nahua people believed sacrifice guaranteed them an afterlife in the Land of the Sun. “ ( x ) Aztec warriors believed that if they died during battle they would be reborn as a hummingbirds,as the name of their god meant hummingbird. When training the future emperors they were taught the responsibilities of a priest and of a warrior. Priests often aided them in how to confront cities who refused to comply with the Aztecs

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