Religious Shrine
Sacrificial Temple, Templo Mayor
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Shrines of the Gods and Sacrifical Temples
To worship and appreciate the several Aztec gods, the Aztecs built several step pyramid temples, scattered across the land. Each temple had two staircases, leading to two different shrines. Priests performed human sacrifices inside the shrines to honour the gods and to "give energy" to the Sun God. These temples were continually built upon and grew more aesthetically pleasing, with grander sacrificial courtyards, higher steps, and more decorations. Sometimes, at the ends of staircases, little statues imitating dragons are found; it is unknown why they are there, but they definitely add to the grandeur and towering greatness of the Aztec temples.
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The Emperor's Palace
As expected, the Aztec royal palace was magnificent and opulent. This two-story tall architectural wonders had an extremely large courtyard fit for large gatherings. The walls were adorned with Aztec art and lavish gold, supported by thick columns. Marble steps were found in the direct centre of the palace. Indeed, the inside of the palace matched the outside in grandeur- a large reception chamber to greet guests; the emperor's personal apartment; a meeting chamber three times larger than the reception chamber; a throne room; and the emperor's tribute store, to keep his gifts. Truly a dwelling fit for a king!
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Royal Palace of Tenochtitlan
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A Commoner's House
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Aztec Homes
Although the architectural designs of the homes of peasants were similar to those of nobles, the commoners' houses were all exactly identical, and did not meet the elites' houses in size and quality of decorations. The typical Aztec family had a home split into two main sections- the main home and the steam bath. Adobe (a mixture of dirt and water) was used to create all the homes, along with a thatched roof to complete the main building. This was one large room divided into four separate areas. A bed area where the entire family retires at night; a family shrine; a kitchen; and an eating area, also used for family discussions. The second building, the steam bath, was thought to be therapeutic by doctors, and were a mandatory part of every home.
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