Final answer:
Religion profoundly influenced Aztec culture, dictating political, social, and military norms, as well as art and architecture. The caste system, human sacrifices, and codices all reflect the centrality of religious beliefs in shaping Aztec society. However, much of our knowledge is based on Spanish accounts, which may alter the original context.
Step-by-step explanation:
Religion's Impact on Aztec Culture
The Aztec Empire was a civilization where religion pervaded every aspect of life, influencing not only cultural norms and practices but also political and military strategies. Strongly tied to the notion of human sacrifices, the Aztecs believed in appeasing their gods to maintain cosmic order and the continuity of life. Priests held a significant role by conducting sacrifices and rituals, which were often performed with victims taken from subjugated states, thereby also functioning as a display of power and control over the empire.
Art and architecture in Aztec society were deeply embedded with religious significance, with temples and sculptures built to honor specific deities. Artifacts, particularly in stone and precious metals, conveyed stories and religious beliefs, emphasizing the necessary sacrifices. The importance of religion to Aztec culture can also be seen through the codices, hand-written books that captured not only history but the shared cultural and religious ethos of the empire. However, much of our understanding comes from accounts recorded by Spanish colonizers who often interpreted Aztec culture through a European lens, thus potentially skewing the original context and meaning.
The Aztecs' own origin story was not just myth but served a political purpose, illustrating their destined rise to power and justifying the cultural practices at play. The emphasis on a caste system within Aztec society also reflected the profound influence of religion, stratifying the population into roles that supported the religious and state structure. This deeply entwined relationship between religion and state affairs subsequently influenced the entire cultural fabric of the Aztec Empire.