8th Grade Aztec Religion And Sacrifice

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A series of droughts and famine in the Mexican highlands caused many deaths, which in turn led to the flower wars. During times of scarcity, the Aztecs engaged in ritual warfare to capture prisoners who would then be sacrificed to appease the gods and ensure agricultural fertility. The flower wars were a way for the Aztecs to obtain captives for these sacrificial rituals, and the prolonged period of drought and famine likely intensified the need for such rituals.

The correct answer is that the legend of the 5 suns is about how all gods sacrificed themselves so that mankind could survive. This explanation aligns with the description provided in the question, stating that the legend tells the story of gods sacrificing themselves for the survival of humanity. The other options, such as the legend being about 5 suns, 5 moons, or the Aztec people's first ancestor, are not supported by the given information.

The flower wars were a ritualistic practice conducted between the cities of the Aztec triple Alliance. These wars were not fought to conquer or defeat the enemy, but rather to capture prisoners for religious sacrifices. The purpose of these wars was to appease the gods and maintain the balance of the universe. The Aztecs believed that the gods required human blood to ensure the sun's rising and the continuation of life. Therefore, the flower wars served as a way to fulfill this religious obligation and maintain the harmony of their civilization.

The correct answer is Aztec enemies, people chosen to be sacrificed, and people embodying the gods themselves. This answer encompasses the different categories of individuals who were often sacrificed by the Aztecs. Aztec enemies were sacrificed as a form of retribution or to appease the gods. People chosen to be sacrificed were often selected from within the Aztec society and offered as a sacrifice to ensure the well-being of the community. Additionally, the Aztecs believed that certain individuals, such as rulers or priests, embodied the gods themselves and would offer themselves as sacrifices to strengthen the divine connection.

The cult of Quetzalcoatl required its followers to sacrifice butterflies and hummingbirds. This suggests that these specific animals held significant symbolic value or were considered sacred in the beliefs and rituals of the cult. The sacrifice of these creatures may have been seen as a way to appease or honor Quetzalcoatl, the deity worshipped by the cult.

The nextlahualli refers to a debt payment in ancient Mesoamerican cultures. This term was used to describe a specific type of tribute or tax that was paid by conquered cities or territories to the ruling empire. It was a form of tribute that was often paid in goods or labor, and was considered a way to maintain control and dominance over the conquered territories.

The victims of this practice were referred to as "people who gave their service." This suggests that they were coerced or forced into providing some form of labor or service against their will. The term "people who gave their service" implies that they were viewed as expendable or disposable, with their labor being taken advantage of without regard for their well-being or rights.

The Aztecs saw small sins as malevolent supernatural forces. In their belief system, committing even minor sins could attract the attention of malevolent spirits or deities, who would then bring misfortune and punishment upon the individual. This perspective highlights the Aztec's strong emphasis on maintaining moral purity and avoiding any transgressions, regardless of their scale. By viewing small sins as malevolent supernatural forces, the Aztecs sought to instill a sense of fear and caution in their society, promoting virtuous behavior and discouraging any wrongdoing.

The correct answer is that human sacrifice was simply a part of the long cultural tradition of the Aztecs. Throughout their history, the Aztecs believed that sacrificing humans was necessary to appease their gods and ensure the continuation of the world. They believed that the gods required human blood to sustain their power and maintain order in the universe. As a result, human sacrifice became a deeply ingrained practice in Aztec society, with rituals and ceremonies regularly performed to honor the gods and ensure their favor.