‘Religious belief was the most important reason the Aztecs practised human sacrifice.’ How far do you agree with this view?
Level
GCSE
Year Examined
2020
Topic
Aztec Empire
👑Complete Model Essay
‘Religious belief was the most important reason the Aztecs practised human sacrifice.’ How far do you agree with this view?
Was Religious Belief the Most Important Reason for Aztec Human Sacrifice?
The Aztec practice of human sacrifice was a complex phenomenon with roots in various aspects of their society. While religious belief undoubtedly played a significant role, arguing that it was the most important reason requires careful consideration of other contributing factors.
The Case for Religious Significance
The Aztecs held a cyclical worldview where creation, destruction, and rebirth were intertwined. Central to this belief was the myth of the gods sacrificing themselves to create the sun and sustain life. Human sacrifice, in this context, became an act of reciprocity, a way to repay this divine debt and ensure the sun's continued existence.
Furthermore, the Aztecs believed that the gods required regular nourishment in the form of "precious water," which was human blood. This belief further solidified the perceived necessity of human sacrifice as a means to appease the gods and maintain cosmic balance. The ritualistic nature of the sacrifices, often performed by priests at specific times and locations, further highlights the deeply ingrained religious significance.
Challenging the Primacy of Religion
While religion provides a compelling framework for understanding Aztec human sacrifice, it cannot fully encompass the practice's complexity. The Aztecs engaged in warfare extensively, and capturing enemies for sacrifice was a common practice. This suggests that human sacrifice also served as a means of demonstrating military dominance and instilling fear in their adversaries.
Additionally, the social structure of the Aztec empire likely influenced the prevalence of human sacrifice. Capturing and sacrificing enemy warriors provided a pathway to achieving social mobility and gaining prestige. This aspect suggests a socio-political dimension to the practice, where individual ambition and societal hierarchies played a role.
The argument that cannibalism motivated human sacrifice, while controversial, deserves consideration. Archaeological evidence suggests that the Aztecs, facing potential protein deficiencies in their diet, may have consumed parts of their victims. However, this interpretation remains debated, and it is crucial to avoid simplistic conclusions.
Conclusion: A Multifaceted Phenomenon
Ultimately, reducing Aztec human sacrifice to a single primary cause risks oversimplification. While religious belief undoubtedly formed a crucial pillar, it intertwined with political power dynamics, social hierarchies, and potentially even dietary considerations. To claim that religion was the most important reason disregards the intricate interplay of factors that contributed to this complex and multifaceted practice. A more nuanced understanding recognizes the significant role of religion while acknowledging the influence of other crucial elements within Aztec society.
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Introduction
Briefly introduce the Aztecs and human sacrifice. State your line of argument. For example: This essay will argue that although religious belief was a key factor in Aztec human sacrifice, other important reasons also played a significant role.
Religious Beliefs (Agree)
Creation Myth: Explain the Aztec creation myth - gods sacrificing themselves to create the world. Link this to the idea of cyclical sacrifice to sustain the sun and universe.
Honoring the Gods: Discuss how sacrifice was seen as a way to honor and appease the gods. Use examples like sacrifices to specific gods (Huitzilopochtli needing hearts and blood).
Maintaining Order: Explain the Aztec belief that sacrifice maintained cosmic balance and prevented chaos.
Alternative Explanations (Disagree)
Cannibalism Debate: Briefly address the cannibalism theory (protein source) and its criticisms (variety in Aztec diet).
Warfare and Power: Discuss how sacrifice was intertwined with warfare. Explain the taking of captives for sacrifice, and how it served as a show of power and dominance.
Social Mobility: Explain how capturing warriors for sacrifice could elevate social status.
Evaluation of Significance
Interconnected Factors: Analyze how religious belief, warfare, social structure, and even potential dietary concerns were likely intertwined. It wasn't just one reason but a complex interplay.
Which Factor was MOST Important?: Give your reasoned judgment on which factor was MOST significant. You can lean more towards religious beliefs OR argue that other reasons combined held equal or even greater weight. Provide strong evidence for your claim.
Conclusion
Summarize your main points. Reiterate your stance on the extent to which you agree with the statement. Offer a final thought on the complexity of Aztec human sacrifice.
Extracts from Mark Schemes
Reaching the Highest Marks
It is possible to reach the highest marks either by agreeing or disagreeing or anywhere between, providing the response matches the level description. To reach Levels 4 and 5, this must involve considering aspects beyond the one in the question i.e. that human sacrifice was due to religious beliefs AND the alternative argument that it was for other reasons in the sort of depth/clarity required by the level.
Answers are most likely to show understanding of the second order concepts of significance (the relative importance of different reasons), causation (why they carried out human sacrifice), but reward appropriate understanding of any other second order concept.
Grounds for Agreeing
Grounds for agreeing include: that human sacrifice was based on the Aztec worldview of creation, destruction and rebirth. The gods had been sacrificed to create the Sun and all living things. This sacrificial payment to the Sun had to be maintained to maintain its strength. It was also paying a debt to the gods who had sacrificed themselves. This was necessary to keep the cycle of life going.
Grounds for Disagreeing
Grounds for disagreeing include: the interpretation that the Aztecs were cannibals - there is evidence that the Aztecs did eat their victims and this was because their diet needed to be supplemented. Human sacrifice provided the Aztecs with necessary protein because they had little meat in their diet because of their reliance on maize, beans and squash and the absence of domesticated animals. (This interpretation has been criticised because the Aztecs had a wide range of foods to supply their needs.) The interpretation that it was simply part of war. War involves killing the enemy and many of the Aztec sacrifices were of captured warriors. Finally, there is the interpretation that capturing enemy warriors for sacrifice was a way of achieving 'nobility' and social mobility.