Mexico is fortunate to have been the cradle of multiple pre-Hispanic cultures, such as the olmec, Maya and the Incas. However, the aztec civilization, or Mexica, stands out especially in terms of fascination and legacy. Over the centuries, their culture and, in particular, their mythology have generated deep interest worldwide, and today, their aztec gods continue to capture the imagination of many.
For the Aztecs, the gods were closely linked to natural elements and daily life.. Each of them had a role to play in the balance of the world, and maintaining a link with these deities was crucial to avoiding chaos. Below, we will explore the main ones in depth. gods of Aztec mythology, along with a detailed analysis of its influence on Mexica life and culture.
Gods of the Aztecs
For the Aztecs, the world, nature and human beings were ruled by countless deities, whose powers range from war to agriculture, the stars and death. Cosmic balance depended on these entities, so It was vital to make offerings and sacrifices to maintain universal stabilityThere are gods linked to heaven and the underworld, as well as to the earth and natural phenomena.
Gods of heaven
- Quetzalcoatl: also known as the Feathered Serpent, is one of the most important gods of Aztec and pre-Columbian mythology in general. Quetzalcoatl symbolizes life, knowledge, and is the patron of the winds.He is credited with the creation of human beings, and was worshipped as the god of knowledge and civilization. According to some legends, his figure is also associated with that of the god ehecatl, the god of the wind.
- tezcatlipoca: known as "The Smoking Mirror", is one of the gods created by Ometéotl, and is associated with the night, providence and destiny. Tezcatlipoca is the protector god of young warriors and the lord of the night sky.He is represented with an obsidian mirror on his left foot, which he uses to see all human actions.
- Huitzilopochtli: called "Left-handed Hummingbird", he is the god of the sun and war. He was the most venerated god of the Aztecs and his cult involved human sacrifices, since they believed that he had to be fed with human hearts so that the sun could continue its journey across the sky.
Gods of earth
- Tláloc: the god of rain, fertility and lightning. He was invoked to ensure good harvests and was one of the oldest gods in Mesoamerican mythology, worshipped by both the Aztecs and other cultures such as the Teotihuacans.
- Xipe Tótec: Known as "Our Flayed Lord," he is the god of spring, fertility, and renewal. His cult involved rituals in which warriors and priests wore the flayed skin of sacrificed prisoners, symbolizing the rebirth of nature after death and winter.
- otontecuhtli: the god of fire, in charge of maintaining the balance between destructive fire and regenerative fire. This deity was honored to prevent uncontrolled fires.
- tlazolteotl:The "Dirt-Eating Goddess" is a dual figure, as she is also the goddess of love, carnal pleasures and lust, but at the same time, She is the goddess who cleanses the sins committed by these acts.
Did they make human sacrifices?
One of the most well-known (and controversial) issues about the Aztecs is their custom of performing human sacrifices. While it is true that in some rituals sacrifices were made, it should also be clarified that human sacrifice was not exclusive to Aztec culture. Sacrifices were carried out in most Mesoamerican cultures as a offering to the gods to ensure the continuity of the world. The Aztecs believed that without these sacrifices, the cosmic balance would be broken and with it, the universe would come to an end.
The Aztecs practiced sacrifices to feed, mainly, Huitzilopochtli, the god of the sun and war, who needed these sacrifices to defeat the moon and the stars every day. One of the The most famous mountain where these sacrifices were carried out was Mount Huixachtépetl., and the sacrifice was intensified at key moments such as the end of the 52-year cycles.
History of Aztec culture
The Aztecs, also known as Mexicas, were a civilization that emerged in the 14th century and they consolidated themselves as a great empire until the 1325th century, just when the Spanish conquistadors arrived. Their capital was Tenochtitlán, an impressive city founded in XNUMX on an island in Lake Texcoco, which would become the political and cultural center of Mesoamerica.
One of the most fascinating aspects of Aztec history is that, despite initially being a nomadic people, they knew how to take advantage of the location of Tenochtitlan to develop a complex and rich culture. According to legend, the founding of their city occurred when their gods ordered them to look for a sign: An eagle devouring a snake perched on a cactusThis symbol would be key to identifying the place where they were to settle.
This mythical event is represented on the current flag of Mexico, and is a clear reflection of the importance that gods and prophecies had in the daily life of the Aztecs.
Aztec society
Aztec society was divided into several hierarchical layers. At the top was the huey tlatoani or emperor, who was the highest ruler. He was followed religious leaders, military personnel and important officialsThese figures had great influence as rulers and judges in daily life. Below them were the merchants and professional warriors, who controlled trade and helped keep the social structure in balance.
A large part of the population was engaged in agriculture, and finally, at the base of the social pyramid were the slaves, who were usually prisoners of war, criminals or people who could not pay their debts. Slaves were not born slaves, but could be sold if they committed crimes or fell into disgrace.
Achievements of the Aztecs
The Aztecs managed to develop a highly advanced civilization in several respects. Below we highlight some of its most notable achievements:
- Large trade networkThe Aztecs created an extensive trade system that spanned a wide area of Mesoamerica, improving their economy and extending their influence over other cultures.
- Agricultural engineering: They developed advanced agricultural systems, such as chinampas, artificial islands built for farming in the lakes. This system allowed them to increase food production.
- Impressive architectureThe construction of temples, palaces and pyramids is proof of their great architectural ability. Some of these monuments still stand., like the Templo Mayor in Mexico City.
- Astronomy: The Aztecs were experts in astronomy and developed one of the most accurate calendars of antiquity. Although they did not invent the system, They adopted the Olmec calendar, adapting it to your needs.
The Aztecs not only left a lasting legacy in terms of religion and architecture, but their system of social organization and religious beliefs They continue to be studied and influence the cultures of the region to this day.
The study of their mythology allows us to better understand their vision of the universe and how they enriched the cultural development of Mesoamerica throughout its history.