1. Religion & Spirituality

Mesoamerican Myths & Religion: Mythology, Religion in Mesoamerica

Mesoamerican tribes like the Aztecs and Mayans created a rich and varied religious mythology. A large number of gods and goddesses fulfilled roles similar to those in pantheons in other cultures, but with some unusual traits like the demand for blood and human sacrifices, the importance of people imitating gods, the role of jaguars, and so forth.
  1. Aztec Gods, Goddesses (30)
  2. Mayan Gods, Goddesses (15)

Aztecs: Profile of the Aztec People, History, and Aztec Gods, Goddesses, Heroes

Aztec is a name given to a group of seven native tribes which migrated to and settled in central Mesoamerica. It is believed that they originated in the northwest of modern-day Mexico. The last of the seven tribes to arrive, the Mexica, are the ones whose culture and religion is generally meant when people talk about 'the Aztecs.' The Aztecs didn't call themselves Aztecs, though - Mexica was a more common name used by them.

Aztecs Butchered, Ate Spanish Invaders

Archaeologists have uncovered a number of skeletons in Tecuaque, near Mexico City, which indicate that the Aztecs didn't just kill, but ritually sacrificed and even ate hundreds of members of the Spanish invasion force. This discovery confirms contemporary Spanish accounts and reveals that the Aztecs did indeed fight back against the Spanish, even if unsuccessfully in the end.

Discuss in my forum

©2012 About.com. All rights reserved.

A part of The New York Times Company.