Final answer:
The later American civilizations like the Aztec adopted the religions and cultures of previous great American civilizations for several reasons including cultural diffusion, the desire for legitimacy, and the opportunity to build upon prior knowledge and achievements.
Step-by-step explanation:
The later American civilizations like the Aztec adopted the religions and cultures of previous great American civilizations for several reasons.
One reason is the influence of cultural diffusion. As civilizations interacted and traded with one another, they would come into contact with different religious beliefs and cultural practices. They may have seen the success or appeal of these beliefs and practices and decided to adopt them for themselves.
Another reason is the desire to legitimize their own power and authority. By adopting the religions and cultures of previous great civilizations, the Aztec and other later civilizations could claim a connection to these powerful and respected predecessors. This would enhance their own prestige and legitimacy in the eyes of their subjects and neighboring civilizations.
Furthermore, adopting the religions and cultures of previous civilizations allowed the Aztec and other later civilizations to build upon the knowledge and achievements of their predecessors. This could include advancements in agriculture, architecture, writing systems, and more, which would contribute to the growth and development of their own civilizations.
In summary, the adoption of religions and cultures from previous great American civilizations by later American civilizations like the Aztec can be attributed to the influences of cultural diffusion, the desire for legitimacy, and the opportunity to build upon prior knowledge and achievements.