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The Aztecs were American Indian people who ruled a mighty empire in Mexico during the 1400’s and early 1500’s. The Aztecs were one of the most advanced civilizations in America. They were known for building very large and complex cities. They had a democratic government and they all took part in different religions. Religion was a big part of the Aztec life. They devoted much of their time to religious practices, including singing, dancing, and praying. They held many religious ceremonies. Aztecs believed the human body and all living things were gifts from the gods. They also believed that there was a divine power in three parts of the body – the head, the heart and the liver. Often, priests would slash open the chest of a living victim and tear out their heart because they thought it would keep them strong. The Aztecs worshiped many gods and goddesses. Some of the gods included the corn god, the sun god, the rain and fertility god, the war god, and the fire god. They worshipped close to 1000 gods. The Aztec clothing was very beautiful. Women wore a loose, sleeveless blouse and a wraparound skirt. Men wore a cloth around their hips and a cloak knotted over one shoulder. Jewelry was a very important for Aztec people. Aztec cooking was rich and spicy. Many dishes had sauces flavored with chili peppers. Hunting provided much of the meat in the Aztec diet. Caribou and deer were the most important animals for Aztec hunters. They would eat the meat and leave the animal skins as clothing, and other useful items. Those who lived near water, sea, lakes, and rivers, were supplied with all kinds of fish and shellfish. The mans’s job was to support the whole family and the wives was making clothing, raising girls in the home, and cooking. The Aztec Empire had over 20 million people in about 400 cities and towns. No other Spanish city had so many people. Agriculture was a big part of the Aztec economy. One of the most important crops was corn. The language the Aztecs spoke was Nahuatl. Some of the jobs the Aztecs did were feather work, lapidary work, pottery, spinning, dying, weaving, salt extraction, wood carving and obsidian chipping. In 1519, Hernando Cortes and his men attacked the Aztec civilization while riding huge horses. The warriors were armed with cross bows and heavy swords. But not only did the Hernandos and his men wipe out half of the Aztecs they also brought a killer disease which killed the rest of the Aztecs and ended their civilization forever. From that moment the Aztecs became a part of European History.