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Ancient Aztecs Research Paper

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Recommended: Topics of aztec civilization

Scott C. Hudson
Eng 386.001
Ms. Horn
December 15, 2014
Re-exploring Aztec Thought It is commonly known that Hernan Cortes conquered the Aztec Empire without great difficulty. This is a tale we have been told since our early history classes. What many may not realize is why. To this effect, this paper will explore not only the myths surrounding this circumstance, but also many of the other beliefs and myths of the ancient Aztecs. We will commence out discussion at the beginning, naturally. In the belief system of the Aztecs, our world was not the first but the fifth. It is interesting to note that each previous world, or “sun,” correlated with an element – earth, air, fire, and water. Each previous sun was destroyed by the two warring …show more content…

Whereas, Tezcatlipoca represented war and darkness. These two deities, along with their siblings, would fight over each sun until it was ultimately consumed in their celestial war. With each new sun, a different deity would preside over the new world. In each previous sun – earth, air, water, and fire – the entirety of humanity was wiped out. However, following perhaps the Indian belief system, each new race of humanity was improved upon by the gods to constitute an improved and more intelligent creation. (Aguilar-Moreno 139-140) According to legend, the fifth and current sun fell to Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca to create. Apparently, these two gods set aside their differences for the good of their soon-to-be world. It is said that there was a giant crocodile-monster swimming in the waters of the previously flooded world. Quetza and Tezca transformed themselves into serpents and tore the creature in …show more content…

This aspect is well-known as it is popularized in movies, books, and historical stories. However, the motives of the sacrifices are not always made clear. Human sacrifices were always performed in a pious and religious context. Never were they sought out in a blood lust manner such as the gladiatorial games in ancient Rome. In fact, many of the people sacrificed were Aztec warriors who saw their sacrifice as an honor. In addition, voluntarily offering your blood to the sun god assured a place in paradise in the afterlife. One must understand how the Aztecs viewed their world and their deities. In fact, the world was formed by the sacrifice of the lives of their gods. The ancient people saw this a great favor and a gift. In their minds it was only fair to return the favor, and they did it with honor and humility. In a sense, also, they viewed the sacrifice of people as selfless. If the sun would cease to move due to a lack of human blood, the whole world would wither and die. In effect, it was their noble duty to provide fuel for the cosmos. (Aguilar-Moreno

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