Aztec Culture

By Eddie Montezuma


Subsequently, the new city of Mexico was founded on the ruins of the the Aztec capital - Tenochtitlan.

The term Aztec frequently refers to the Nahuatl-speaking, ethnic factions that existed in components of Central Mexico between the 12th and 16th centuries AD. One of the last in a succession of complex cultures in Mesoamerica, they reflected traits of their forerunners just like the Maya and Teotihuacan. Aztec culture and Aztec history is filled with rich and invigorating legends.

Social Status In the Aztec Culture

Their social setup was mainly divided into the nobility or 'Pilli', and also the commoners or 'macehualles'. The nobility occupied the majority of the important political positions and governed the society's fiscal resources. Commoners formed the majority of the Aztec population, and within themselves one could locate ample variations in wealth and status, mainly simply because they could rise to the position of a pilli by virtue of ability and gallantry in warfare. The Aztecs were mainly warriors, and war wasn't just to capture new territory, but also a means to capture prisoners for their numerous religious sacrifices. Failure in a war meant disgrace to whoever was accountable, and it frequently resulted in their sacrifice.

Aztec Economic climate

Aztec economy was depending on agriculture. Corn and maize had been cultivated extensively along with beans, avocados, squashes, potatoes, and tomatoes. They also made a variety of utilitarian goods like cotton textiles, ceramic cookware, and a number of tools, all of which were utilized in trade and contributed to their economic climate. Family was an crucial component in the life of the Aztecs. Their social organization was such that males had been household builders, farmers or craftsmen, while the females looked after the dwellings and kids, created clothes, and cared for the livestock.

Aztec Culture And Religion

Mainly polytheistic, Aztec religion was ruled by a variety of gods, of which the prominent ones had been 'Tezcatlipoca', a powerful creator god along with the patron of kings; 'Quetzalcoatl', the god of learning and patron of priests; 'Tlaloc', an ancient central Mexican rain god; and 'Huitzilopochtli', the patron god of the Mexican folks, also the war along with the sun god. The rituals had been supervised by expert priests. Human sacrifices were a striking feature of Aztec civilization. As per their myths, since the gods had sacrificed themselves as a way to develop the earth, sun, moon, and humans, offerings and human sacrifices were a signifies of repaying their debt. Archaeological excavations of Aztec web-sites have unearthed domestic altars, incense burners, and clay figurines which were applied throughout religious services.

Aztec Art, Writing And Cuture

Although, medical practices amongst the Aztecs had been pragmatic, their superior awareness was highly rated in the treatment of wounds and several other illnesses. Ardent sun and moon worshipers, they developed various astronomical calendars according to which their rituals had been based.

Like the Mayans, the Aztec created a kind of pictorial representations, which had been applied for purposes like calculations, chronicles, diaries, and history. The decline of the Aztec civilization and Aztec culture began with the advent of Spanish conquistadors, and towards the later element of the 16th century, nearly 95% of the population were wiped out as an outcome of war. Subsequently, the new city of Mexico was founded on the ruins of the the Aztec capital - Tenochtitlan.




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