The Aztec Civilization: History, Culture, and Society
The Aztecs
The Aztecs, located in what is now southern Mexico, developed a rich culture starting around 2000 BC. Various civilizations thrived in this region, leaving behind evidence of their flourishing cultures, such as the archaeological city of Teotihuacan. The Toltec culture emerged in the central Mexican plateau from the late 7th century until the mid-12th century, eventually merging with the Maya during their expansion into the Yucatan.
The Rise of the Aztecs
In this geographical setting, specifically on the shores and islands of Lake Texcoco, the Aztec civilization flourished. It became one of the most well-known civilizations of pre-Columbian America and the largest political entity in Mesoamerica by the time the Spanish arrived.
Aztec Society: Beyond the Empire
Contrary to popular belief, the Aztec society wasn’t an empire in the traditional sense. While the Great Speaker, or Huey Tlatoani (the Aztec emperor), held ultimate authority, a Council of Elders, similar to the Roman Senate, democratically chose the successor. The Great Speaker-elect, as the representative of the god Huitzilopochtli, was obeyed without question and served as the head of government and the high priest of the Temple.
The Calpulli: The Heart of Aztec Society
The foundation of the Mexica Empire was the calpulli, a community-based organization often comprised of relatives or individuals sharing the same profession. There were calpullis for priests, warriors, eagles, ocelots, carpenters, potters, and more. Each calpulli functioned as an autonomous entity with its own speaker or governor, chosen by the elders. Each calpulli had its own school, church, and sometimes even a garrison.
Tenochtitlan
Economy: Agriculture and Trade
The Aztec economy relied heavily on agriculture and trade. One of their most innovative agricultural practices was the construction of chinampas, or floating gardens, made from reeds, twigs, mud, and silt. They also employed fallow techniques, dams, irrigation ditches, and utilized both plant and animal fertilizers.
Livestock was limited, as in the rest of pre-Columbian America, to turkeys and various breeds of dogs, some raised for meat consumption. Waterfowl and fish from Lake Texcoco provided additional sustenance. Salt and basalt were also important resources.
Extensive trade flourished in the bustling Aztec markets, primarily through bartering, with cocoa beans serving as currency or a means to balance transactions. The price of goods fluctuated based on availability.
Science and Art: A Flourishing Culture
Aztec artistic expressions (1250-1521 AD) are considered among the most impressive in Mesoamerica before European contact. The term Aztec, along with Mexica and Tenochtitlan, is now used to refer to the seven groups who migrated to the Valley of Mexico from Aztlan, a mythical place north of Mesoamerica.
Aztec art served as a powerful tool for communication, conveying their worldview and reinforcing their cultural identity. This strong political and religious influence manifested through music, literature, architecture, and sculpture, utilizing diverse mediums such as musical instruments, stone, ceramics, paper, and feathers. Aztec art often incorporated and adapted earlier artistic traditions, adding their own unique flair.
While often perceived as violent and stark, Aztec art reveals a complex intellectual and emotional depth, rich in symbolism.
In terms of scientific advancements, the Aztecs excelled in medicine and pharmaceuticals, likely due to their warrior culture’s need for effective treatments for injuries. They also made significant contributions to astronomy, building upon the legacy of the Mayan culture.
The Aztecs utilized both the 365-day calendar and the 260-day calendar, along with the 52-year “calendar round.” They held a cyclical view of time, believing in its predictability, which underscored the importance of astronomical observation and timekeeping. Stargazing was such a prestigious task that it was considered a duty of the Huey Tlatoani.
Religion: A Polytheistic Society
Religion played a central role in Aztec life and culture. A powerful priesthood oversaw ritual ceremonies, managed education centers, and made predictions about various aspects of society and the empire’s politics.
The Aztecs embraced the religious beliefs of neighboring and subjugated communities, resulting in a polytheistic religion, although a few major deities held prominence. The most important Aztec gods were associated with the sky and the setting sun.
One of the most distinctive aspects of Aztec religion was the practice of sacrifice. The shedding of blood, whether by priests, sacrificial victims, or animals, and the offering of human hearts, were believed to be essential for maintaining cosmic balance.
The Aztecs believed that the forces of nature could be both benevolent and malevolent, leading them to personify natural elements as gods and goddesses. Quetzalcoatl, the god of wind, life, fertility, inventor of corn and agriculture, creator of the solar calendar, and organizer of religious rites, was among the most revered deities.