The pre-Columbian cultures of the American continent were great and developed civilizations that left an indelible mark on the history of humanity. These cultures, where the Mayan, Aztec, Inca, Nazca and many more, developed a profound worldview that is still followed today by many indigenous ethnic groups in countries such as Mexico, Guatemala and Peru.
The Worldview in Pre-Columbian Cultures
The worldview of pre-Columbian cultures was intrinsically linked to their environment and the natural phenomena they observed. These civilizations believed that both celestial beings and the elements of nature directly influenced their lives and decisions. The Mayans, Aztecs and Incas, among others, related their daily activities to the study of the heavens, the gods and the forces of nature.
They argued that the gods not only lived in the sky, but also influenced the daily lives of their populations. For this reason, they considered any natural event such as eclipses, storms or droughts to be manifestations of divine will. Thus, both the Sun, Moon, Stars and other celestial bodies played a fundamental role in the religious and political ceremonies of the great pre-Columbian civilizations.
In many pre-Columbian cultures, political and religious power was directly linked to the ability of leaders and priests to interpret celestial movements and offer sacrifices to the gods to ensure the fertility of the land, abundant harvests and the prosperity of their people.
The Study of Astronomy
It is fascinating to see how these cultures, without the advanced technology we have today, developed a deep knowledge of the cosmos and captured it in their cities and monuments. MayaFor example, they are known for developing their extremely accurate calendar, based on their astronomical observations. They also built their cities and temples in a way that aligned with significant celestial events.
The Mayan Calendar
The Maya developed a calendar system with interrelated cycles. The most famous of these cycles is the Long Count Calendar, which served not only to measure days, but also to record important historical events and predict future cosmic events. Its precision was such that the Mayan solar cycle has only a variation of a second compared to the modern solar calendar.
One of the most impressive manifestations of this astronomical knowledge is the Chichen Itza templeStrategically built to align with the sun during the equinoxes, the temple casts shadows that simulate the descent of the feathered serpent, a very important deity in their religion.
The Nazca Lines: An Enigmatic Calendar
In the peruvian coast, the Nazca culture also left its mark on the study of the cosmos through the enigmatic and fascinating Nazca linesThese lines, visible mainly from the air, form enormous geometric and anthropomorphic figures carved into the desert. It is believed that the lines served as a gigantic agricultural calendar and a kind of astronomical observatory.
Experts have noted that many of these lines are aligned with the sunrise during the solstices, reinforcing the idea that these figures helped the Nazca determine the best seasons for planting and harvesting.
Rituals and Religious Beliefs
Pre-Columbian cultures had a dual approach to religion: the earthly and heavenly worlds were connected, and the gods had power over all aspects of life. Sacrifices, offerings and rituals brought together these beliefs and materialized them in acts of worship.
Mayan rituals
On MayaFor example, they held large religious ceremonies centered on the veneration of gods such as Itzamná, Chac, and Kukulkan. The ceremonies included blood sacrifices, often from the king himself or the nobility, who considered their blood to be a direct offering to the gods.
One of the most significant events in Mayan sociocultural and religious life was the ball game. This was not only a sport, but also a ritual that had cosmic and political implications. Important matches were often officiated in honour of the gods, and even the losers were executed as sacrifices.
Human Sacrifice in Aztec Culture
in the culture Aztec, ritual reached its peak through human sacrifices. The Aztecs believed that, to avoid the end of the world and guarantee the daily cycle of the sun, it was necessary to feed the gods with human blood. This type of sacrifice was so deeply rooted in their culture that it was directly associated with astronomical events such as eclipses or the beginning of a new cycle in their ritual calendar.
The Incas and Pachamama
In the case of incas, one of the most important rites was the worship of Pachamama, the goddess of the Earth. The Incas invoked Pachamama through agricultural rituals, animal sacrifices and the offering of traditional drinks such as chicha. The offerings were deposited in wells or sacred places to ensure the fertility of agricultural land and the prosperity of the harvest.
Viracocha was another important deity within the Inca cosmogony, considered the creator of the world. The Incas also worshipped the Sun, through their god Inti, and many of their religious practices revolved around their solar cycles.
Architecture and its relationship with the cosmos
One of the most impressive aspects of pre-Columbian cultures is the way they designed their cities and monuments. The relationship between their architecture and the cosmos was fundamental, which made them turn their eyes to the sky to plan the layout of their cities and temples. Two outstanding examples in this area are:
- Chichén Itzá:The pyramid of Kukulkan or El Castillo was designed to align with the solstices and equinoxes.
- Machu Picchu:This city built by the Incas is not only a marvel of engineering, but also an astronomical alignment linked to the cycle of the sun and the moon.
In both cases, the precise alignment of their buildings shows how these cultures integrated their astronomical knowledge into their spiritual and architectural sphere.
Final conclusion
pre-columbian cultures They were true titans of scientific, spiritual and cultural knowledgeTheir worldviews, rituals, and complex belief systems stand as testaments to how humanity has observed the heavens and found answers to the mysteries of life in the stars and nature. The influence of pre-Columbian cultures continues to resonate, and their descendants continue to honor their legacy in the present.