Answer:
Step-by-step explanation:
Aztec religious thinking played a crucial role in supporting the Aztec Empire in several ways:
Divine Mandate: The Aztecs believed that their emperor, known as the tlatoani, had a divine mandate to rule. They considered him to be the representative of the gods on Earth and believed that his rule was essential for maintaining cosmic order and prosperity. This religious belief provided legitimacy to the empire and reinforced the authority of the emperor.
Human Sacrifice: The Aztecs practiced elaborate rituals of human sacrifice as offerings to their gods. These sacrifices were seen as a way to sustain the balance between the earthly realm and the divine realm, ensuring the continued well-being of the empire. The empire's success was often associated with the effectiveness of their religious ceremonies and the appeasement of the gods through these sacrifices.
Tribute and Expansion: The Aztecs viewed their conquests and the expansion of their empire as part of their religious duty. They believed that the gods favored the empire's growth and conquests, which allowed them to obtain tribute from conquered territories. Tribute provided resources, wealth, and manpower to sustain the empire and support its institutions.
Religious Calendar: The Aztecs had a complex religious calendar with numerous festivals and ceremonies throughout the year. These religious events served as opportunities for social cohesion, reinforcing the shared identity and religious beliefs of the empire's subjects. The religious calendar also provided a framework for organizing the empire's activities, including agricultural practices and military campaigns.
Overall, Aztec religious thinking provided a strong ideological foundation for the empire, justifying the authority of the emperor, supporting territorial expansion, and fostering a sense of unity among the diverse subjects of the empire.