Final answer:
The Aztec civilization boasted significant architectural achievements, such as the grand Templo Mayor in Tenochtitlán, with its steeply sloped pyramid and dual shrines. The Aztecs also built large pyramids, advanced canal systems, and utilized raised agricultural plots. Many Aztec structures were destroyed, but excavations have revealed much about their architectural skills.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Aztec civilization was known for its impressive architectural accomplishments, many of which were centered around religious beliefs and practices. The heart of their capital, Tenochtitlán, was marked by the Templo Mayor, a monumental temple with two shrines on top dedicated to the gods Tlaloc and Huitzilopochtli. This architectural marvel went through seven phases of construction, each reflecting the empire's growth and including spaces for human sacrifice. The Templo Mayor's design featured a steeply sloped pyramid that created an awe-inspiring ascent to the top, invoking both reverence and disorientation for those who climbed it.
Beyond the Templo Mayor, the Aztec architecture included other notable structures such as the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon, found in the city of Teotihuacan. These were large, multitiered stone buildings, organized around the Avenue of the Dead and surrounded by apartment compounds showcasing vivid artwork. Their capital also featured an intricate canal system and raised land known as chinampas for agriculture, indicating a sophisticated understanding of urban planning and engineering.
Regretfully, many Aztec artifacts and structures were lost or destroyed following the Spanish conquest, but excavations in modern Mexico City have uncovered parts of the great Templo Mayor and other significant sites. Further archaeological studies continue to illuminate the depth and sophistication of Aztec architectural and cultural achievements.