The sun is a visible, astronomical fact - "the one immutable fact of existence, the source of all life on earth." It journeys overhead from east to west by day, dips into darkness, and by night travels underground west to east to rise triumphantly again at dawn - the start of a new day (Waters 203). The sun has been the focal point of energy and worship in many cultures throughout the world. The Aztecs were one culture that used the light of the sun to triumph over the Central Valley of Mexico. The Aztecs were indeed "the people of the sun". The Aztecs rotated their lives and structured their society around the spirit of the sun.

In respect of the Aztec origin, this paper will center it's interpretations around the rays of the sun. The sun seems to be the root from which the Aztec culture grew and produced. Warfare and human sacrifice provided the function of replenishing that root. The first section of this paper will illustrate three myths centered around the sun. The proceeding section will show how these myths helped structure the Aztec society.

In order to understand the Aztec civilization as a whole, it is necessary to look at the role myths p

Human sacrifice not only provided the power for the sun to shine, but also glorified the expansion and power of the Aztec Empire. The practice of human sacrifice was symbolic of the superiority the Aztec Empire and nobles had over all conquered communities. Sacrifice was not just a symbol of eternal life, it was also a tool used by the Aztecs to punish insubordination and refusal to pay tribute. The practice of slave sacrifice ensured the cooperation of the commoners within a community, for any disobedient slaves were eligible for sacrifice.

And when he had laid him upon it, four men stretched him out, [grasping] his arms and legs. And already in the hand of the fire priest lay the [sacrificial knife, with which he was to slash open the breast of the ceremonially bathed [captive].

And then, when he had split open his breast, he at once seized his heart. And he whose breast he laid open was quite alive. And when [the priest] had seized his heart, he dedicated it to the sun.

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Approximate Word count = 4486
Approximate Pages = 18 (250 words per page double spaced)