Final answer:
The Aztec declaration of war was intertwining of political strategy and religious rituals, with human sacrifice being a crucial element for appeasing gods and maintaining political power.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of an Aztec declaration of war included a series of steps combining both political strategy and religious beliefs. One of the most notable aspects was the ritual sacrifice in which the Aztecs believed they needed to appease their gods to ensure success in battle and the overall functioning of the world. Human sacrifices, often prisoners of war, were key to this religious ritual. The calibration of this system between ritualistic elements and practical warfare considerations encapsulates the complexity of Aztec society.
Young men in the Aztec society were trained from an early age to be warriors, symbolizing the militaristic culture that highly valued bravery and fighting ability. The Aztec military preparations were extensive, as all young men were expected to serve. Warfare for the Aztecs was not just about expanding their territory, but also a way to capture sacrificial victims, which in turn fueled their religious rituals vital to appease the gods, and thus, perform a dual function of maintaining political power and fulfilling religious duties.
An understanding of the cultural importance of human sacrifice in Aztec society also helps us comprehend the deep connection between warfare, politics, and religion. These public displays of power were both a means to instill terror and to reinforce political unity.