History AT4 Flashcards
Describe Huitzilopochtli and his significance to the Aztecs.
Huitzilopochtli is the god of sun and war in Aztec mythology. The Aztecs believed he battled the forces of darkness every night to ensure the sun would rise the next morning. He required nourishment in the form of blood sacrifice.
Define Tlaloc and his role in Aztec culture.
Tlaloc is the god of rain, agricultural fertility, and water in Aztec mythology. He was revered for providing life through rain but also feared for his ability to cause destructive weather events like hail, thunder, and lightning.
How did Xipe Totec influence Aztec agricultural practices?
ipe Totec, the god of springtime and new crops, influenced Aztec agricultural practices through rituals that included the flaying of sacrificial victims, which symbolized renewal and the cycle of life.
Explain the symbolism of Quetzalcoatl in Aztec mythology.
Quetzalcoatl, known as the feathered serpent god, symbolizes nature, earth, and air. His temple at Teotihuacan featured large sculptures of feathered serpents, representing the connection between the heavens and the earth.
What is the significance of Tezcatlipoca in Aztec beliefs?
Tezcatlipoca is the god of the night sky and is known as the giver and taker of all life on earth. He plays a crucial role in the balance of life and death in Aztec mythology.
