The Importance of Religion in Aztec and Incas Cultures

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INTRODUCTION Religion played a very important role in the Aztec and Inca culture. Religious rituals consisted of human sacrifice and polytheism. Their deities were inspired by nature and the earth’s physical makeup. Both appear to be similar but peel back the onion and notable differences reveal themselves. It is difficult for modern day society to understand how human sacrifice can exist in such advanced civilizations. THE INCAS (CHILDREN OF THE SUN) The Incas Empire began around 1200 and lasted until the Spanish arrival in 1532. They were the largest civilization in pre-Columbia with a territory of 380,000 square miles and a population of about 7 million. Around 1400 the empire began its expansion stretching along the western coast of South America. The Great Emperor at the time, Pacachuti, was able to persuade other groups to join his empire by peaceful means. Under his rule, the Incas were able to develop an advanced society to include governments, armies, highways, and permanent cities. Cusco, the capital, is located in Peru. Religion was an important part of this progressive c...

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