Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
The Templo Mayor, also known as the Great Temple, was a massive Aztec temple complex located in the center of Tenochtitlan (present-day Mexico City). It served as a religious and ceremonial hub for the Aztec civilization.
Aztec Civilization: The Aztec civilization refers to an ancient Mesoamerican culture that flourished between 1345 and 1521 CE. They built impressive cities, developed advanced agricultural practices, and had rich artistic traditions.
Sacrificial Offerings: Sacrificial offerings were rituals performed by various ancient civilizations where objects or living beings were offered to deities as acts of devotion or appeasement. In the case of the Aztecs, human sacrifices were central to their religious practices.
Codex: A codex is a type of manuscript book used by indigenous peoples in Mesoamerica before European colonization. These illustrated books contained important historical records, religious texts, and mythological narratives.