[AZTEC COSMOLOGY] Nicole Ferrini, ASID, RID, LEED AP Arch. in Non Western Societies Spring 2010
Vigor, ferocity and an intense spiritual belief system are defining factors in Aztec society. These notions illustrate the basis of Aztec cosmology. They are evident in virtually every aspect of Aztec civilization from large scale religious demonstrations to the minutiae of their daily rituals and family structure. These traits are offset and at times complimented by an inherent tendency toward innovation and a propensity toward science; astronomy in particular. It is the combination of these qualities that propelled the Aztec culture toward regional domination and strength. However, it also allowed them to ultimately be conquered. As a highly hierarchical society, the Aztecs were divided by a strict class system. Within this system, citizens were divided into noble and common groups. The nobles functioned as political and theological leaders while the common people were often the masters of handicraft or trade specialists. The warrior cast within Aztec society was especially dominant. The importance, respect and high regard associated with warrior status is demonstrative of a culture rooted in aggression and conquest. A young Aztec male could potentially rise through the ranks to positions of importance by achieving dominance and honor in battle. This was accomplished mainly by capturing prisoners during the invasion and subjugation of neighboring societies. Prisoners were then sacrificed as an offering to appease the Aztec gods. As a deeply religious society, the Aztecs were ruled by and through their ritualistic dogma. Human sacrifice and ceremonial bloodletting were common events. The people regarded death as a necessary satiation for the gods. According to Aztec beliefs, the ultimate sacrifice of death is required so that life may be sustained. Although the victims were often prisoners taken during battle, not even an Aztec warrior would be spared if it was deemed necessary to Ferrini
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sacrifice him to the gods in the name of continued livelihood and prosperity. Ironically, this belief system, held at the core of their civilization would ultimately weaken their society as a whole and contribute to their defeat. As an inherently vigorous people, the Aztecs approached many endeavors with the same ambition and aggressive nature that drove their combat efforts. This included scientific endeavors and public education. Young citizens were taught practical trades and military arts or politics, science and theology. Those in the noble class often studied the latter and were consequently given positions of importance in Aztec government or the priesthood. Again, the internal workings of the society exemplify a deep seeded focus on religion. Even science, with the development of the Aztec Calendar had its basis in religious interpretations of celestial events. By the time that the Spanish conquistadors made contact, Aztec society was highly developed and heavily engaged in conflict of their own. Years of regional warfare and continued mass human sacrifice resulted in serious division amongst the citizenry and increasing acts of rebellion by neighboring peoples. In the end, it was the ambition for an ever expanding empire, belief in insatiable gods and serious societal unrest that led to the end of Aztec dominance. These issues were forced forward and made inevitable by a cosmology of hostility and unbridled vitality. Ferrini
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