the aztecs Essay -- essays research papers

The Aztecs were an American Indian people who ruled a mighty empire in Mexico from the 1400s to the 1500s. The Aztecs had one of the most advanced civilizations in the Americas and built cities as large as any in europium at that time. They also practiced a remarkable religion that affected every part of their supports and featured human sacrifice. The Aztecs built towering temples, created huge sculptures, and held impressive ceremonies all for the purpose of worshipping their gods. The Spaniards destroyed their magnificent empire in the year 1521, but the Aztecs left a lasting mark on Mexican life and civilisation . The majority of the Aztecs lived in what is now called the vale of Mexico. Located at an elevation of over 7,000 feet, the large valley has housed more great cities. From the massive pyramids of Tenochtitlan, to the inhabitants of the vast hub of modern Mexico City, the great valley has been the heartland of numerous empires . The mighty Aztecs were the last ind igenous group of people to enter the valley of Mexico. Like many other pre-Columbian cultures, the Aztecs developed their own governmental system, religion, social structure, agricultural techniques, lifestyle and worldview . The Aztecs were truly unique. The early Aztecs were semi-nomadic hunters and farmers. According to legend, in about 1000 AD the Aztecs left their mythic, island homeland of Aztlan in the depart from frontiers of northern Mexico to begin their 100-year migration south to the Valley of Mexico. Led by their knock-down(a) patron god, Huiziloposhtli, they proceed their migration southward, stopping along the way to plant crops, to stool temples for their gods, and to offer human sacrifices in their honor . From groups they encountered as they traveled, the Aztecs adopted impertinent customs and traditions. The Aztecs were becoming a very religious people. When the Aztecs reached the Valley of Mexico in about 1193, this fertile inland basin was already heavil y be and little land was left for them to colonize. The Aztecs appeared rude and uncivilized to the members of the older city-states that agglomerate around the basin . For about another 100 years they continued to look for a permanent home. As they continued their search they served as mercenary soldiers and servants... ...s exact found the site of the Great Temple in downtown Mexico City where Tenochtitlan was once located. Archaeologists have uncovered all quadruple sides of the building and recovered about 6,000 objects, including jewelry, pottery, statues, wall carving, and remains of human and fleshly sacrifices. They have also restored some other Aztec buildings. After the Spanish arrival, Aztec culture came to an abrupt end. Art, literature, customs, religious figures, and almost every trace of the Aztecs were destroyed. However, some Aztec heritage still survives in the midst of modern day Mexico. They are the largest primal group in Mexico and retain their quaint A ztec language. Their religion is also a combination of Roman Catholicism and Aztec tribal religion. Thousands of people in Mexico have Aztec ancestors, and many of them speak a modern form of the language of ancient Tenochtitlan, Nahuatl. Many Mexican place names come from Nahuatl. Foods that come from the Aztec implicate chili, chocolate, and tacos. They have become popular in many countries. Descendants of the Aztec live many places including the United States. The Aztec civilization may be gone, but it pull up stakes never be forgotten.