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Ancient Archiology: Aztecs

Year 9 Elective History

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aztechistory.com

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Aztec temples were called, by the Mexica people of the empire, Teocalli - god houses.  The priests of the Aztec religion went to these temples to worship and pray, and make offerings to the gods to keep them strong and in balance.

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Aztec civilization reached its height in the early 16th century. Explore the capital of their empire, Tenochtitlán, home to elaborate yet sacred temples atop gigantic stepped pyramids. Witness the majesty of this warrior culture that has been unearthed below what is modern-day Mexico City by the preeminent archeologists of our time. Mesoamerican pyramids, pyramid-shaped structures, are an important part of ancient Mesoamerican architecture. These structures were usually step pyramids with temples on top -- more akin to the ziggurats of Mesopotamia than to the pyramids of Ancient Egypt. The Mesoamerican region's largest pyramid by volume -- indeed, the largest in the world by volume -- is the Great Pyramid of Cholula, in the Mexican state of Puebla.

We turn our attention to the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan and its amazing features such as massive temples, aqueducts, zoos, aquariums and more.

Aguilar (public domain)

Aztec architecture reflects the values and civilization of an empire, and studying Aztec architecture is instrumental in understanding the history of the Aztecs, including their migration across Mexico and their re-enactment of religious rituals. Aztec architecture can be best described as monumental.

Legends and Chronicles

Aztec architecture was simple and elegant, bold and powerful, and it mixed colours and symbols that helped created a unique style. The powerful and dominant temples were of course the masterpieces of the Aztec empire but there is much more to Aztec architecture than just these mighty temples.

Aztecs

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Aztec architecture relied heavily on cosmology, astronomy and religion, their massive cities reflected their beliefs and it’s an important key in understanding their history and culture, and how this affected their buildings and construction.