The Aztecs were an ancient civilization that occupied much of Mexico and neighboring regions. They had a rich and complex culture that was reflected in their worldview. Aztec cosmology is a system of beliefs and knowledge about the nature of the universe, which influenced their history, arts, religion and philosophy. In this article, we'll explore the sources, conception, deities, calendar and legacy of Aztec cosmology.

The sources of Aztec cosmology

Aztec cosmology is best known through the Aztec codexes, which were manuscripts written on sheets of tree bark or amate paper. These codexes contained a wealth of information on Aztec religion, history, arts, medicine, botany and cosmology. Unfortunately, most of these codices were destroyed by the Spanish conquistadors during the conquest of Mexico. Only a few have been saved and preserved in libraries, museums or private collections.

The stories and myths handed down by the ancient Aztecs were also an important source for understanding their cosmology. These stories have been passed down from generation to generation, often orally, and reflect the beliefs and values of Aztec culture.

The conception of the universe in Aztec cosmology

The vision of the universe according to Aztec cosmology is extremely complex, but it can be summarized in two main perspectives: horizontal and vertical.

The horizontal vision of the universe is determined by the division of the universe into four quarters: North, South, East and West. Each quarter was governed by a god or goddess, and had its own color, its own sacred animal and its own sacred elements.

The vertical vision of the universe was based on the idea of different levels of the universe, which were inhabited by divine beings or mortals. This included 13 upper levels and 9 lower levels. The central level was the earth plane, where humans lived.

The different levels of the universe had important roles in Aztec cosmology. They were seen as the connecting points between the world of the gods and the world of mortals. For example, the Earth was a meeting point between the lower and higher levels.

Deities in Aztec cosmology

The gods and goddesses of the Aztec universe were many and varied. They were represented by animals, objects, natural phenomena or personality traits. However, some were considered more important than others, and had key roles in cosmology.

Quetzalcoatl was considered the supreme god of the Aztec universe. He was the god of wisdom, wind, creativity and fertility. Tezcatlipoca, the god of night, war and destiny, was another important god in Aztec cosmology. Tlaloc, the god of rain, and Xipe Totec, the god of the harvest season, were also gods venerated in Aztec culture.

Divinities were represented in Aztec art in the form of sculptures, paintings or drawings. They were often represented symbolically, using specific colors, shapes and motifs .

The Aztec calendar

The Aztec calendar was a key element of Aztec cosmology. It was based on two cycles: the solar cycle of 365 days and the sacred cycle of 260 days. The two cycles combined to form a 52-year cycle, called Xiuhmolpilli.

The Aztec calendar, like Aztec cosmology in general, was closely linked to natural phenomena. Months and days were dedicated to particular deities, and ceremonies and rituals were organized according to the time of year and agriculture.

The legacy of Aztec cosmology

Aztec cosmology has had a significant impact on Mexican culture and worldwide. Elements of Aztec cosmology can still be seen in art, religion and philosophy. Aztec symbols, such as the calendar, sacred animals and geometric patterns, are used in fashion, design and advertising.

The persistence of elements of Aztec cosmology in contemporary culture testifies to the importance and relevance of this fascinating worldview. This shows that, despite changes and transformations in society, ancestral beliefs and knowledge continue to influence the way we think about and interact with the world that surrounds us.

Conclusion

In this article, we have explored Aztec cosmology, which is a system of beliefs and knowledge about the nature of the universe that has influenced Aztec culture and continues to inspire contemporary culture. We have seen how Aztec cosmology was based on diverse sources, such as codices, stories and myths. We also examined the different components of the Aztec vision of the universe, such as the different horizontal and vertical perspectives, the levels of the universe and the deities. Finally, we explored the implications of the Aztec calendar on Aztec cosmology as a broader system of beliefs and knowledge.

Aztec cosmology is a fascinating worldview that shows how ancestral beliefs and knowledge continue to persist and change the way we think and live in the contemporary world.