Katherine Amama
World History
January 23, 2023
The Aztec Empire and Its Achievements
The Aztec Empire began in the 1300s and lasted until the Spanish conquerors arrived in the 1500s. They were successful in cultivating a long-lasting culture that is still in existence today. Moreover, the Empire's cultural impacts and accomplishments are undeniable. They are renowned for many things, including their agriculture, art, and mythology.
A basic part of Aztec culture was agriculture. Furthermore, most of the population were farmers. Because of their need for food and money, they invented a new farming technique. The Aztecs invented the chinampa, also known as floating gardens, which are essentially small floating islands in fresh water with layers of dirt, mud, and vegetation and are often regarded as a very efficient farming system. Nevertheless, since they lived in the Valley of Mexico, they were surrounded by mountains and needed to adapt to be able to farm more land. Therefore, they incorporated the use of terraces into their farming. Hence, the Aztecs were outstanding farmers who were able to adapt to their mountainous
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Chicomecóatl was the Aztec goddess of nourishment, primarily maize; she's considered one of the fundamental goddesses in Aztec mythology, especially for farmers. Furthermore, maize was vital to the Aztecs; it was one of their main crops, and during climate extremes when there was no maize, the Aztecs would starve. So, to show gratitude for the god's sacrifices, the Aztecs would perform human sacrifices. For example, during the autumnal equinox, the Aztecs had to choose a young girl to represent Chicomecóatl, and they would prepare her body for sacrifice before feeding her to the god as a thank you for the god's generosity. Chicomecóatl was the god of nourishment and maize, which were greatly important to the Aztecs, and corn is still prevalent in the Americas