Which civilization is known for its sun gods, civil sacrifice, and caste system?

Study for the Dantes General Anthropology Exam. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your assessment!

The Aztec civilization is recognized for its rich pantheon of sun gods, the practice of ritual sacrifice, and the organization of society into distinct social classes, or a caste system. Central to Aztec religion was the worship of several deities, with Huitzilopochtli, the sun god and god of war, being one of the most prominent figures. The Aztecs believed that human sacrifices were essential to appease these gods and ensure the continuation of the world, making civil sacrifice a critical aspect of their religious practices.

Additionally, the social structure of the Aztecs was organized into a caste system, which included nobles, priests, warriors, merchants, and commoners. This hierarchical system played a significant role in their daily life and governance, as individuals were often born into specific classes with limited mobility between them.

In contrast, other civilizations listed do have unique characteristics, but they do not encapsulate all of these elements as distinctly as the Aztecs do. For example, the Mayans had a complex belief system and practiced some form of ritual sacrifice, but their civilization did not emphasize a strict caste system like that of the Aztecs. Similarly, North American Indians had diverse cultures and beliefs but did not specifically embody these features

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