Part 12/20:
The Aztecs were uncompromising, militaristic, and intensely hierarchical. Their society was built around warrior aristocrats, priests, and a brutal system of tribute—most horrifyingly, enslaved populations providing human sacrifices to sustain their gods. These sacrifices were not mere ritual—they were integral to their worldview, as the Aztecs believed their gods needed blood to survive and to continue the cycle of life.
Their city-states formed a confederation—the Triple Alliance—whose leader, the “speaker,” wielded near-absolute authority, evolving into a de facto emperor. Society’s core values emphasized obedience, loyalty, and martial prowess. Women had limited rights, expected to be submissive, while men were trained to exemplify courage and loyalty to their leader and gods.