- Religious reasons: The Aztecs were a deeply religious people, and they believed that human sacrifice was necessary to appease the gods and ensure the survival of their empire. Sacrifices were often carried out during religious ceremonies, and victims included both enemies of the Aztecs and members of their own society.
- Political reasons: The Aztecs were also a highly political people, and they were constantly vying for power and influence. This often led to conflict and violence, both within the ruling class and between different Aztec city-states.
- Economic reasons: The Aztecs were a wealthy empire, and they controlled a vast amount of territory and resources. This wealth was often the cause of conflict, both between the Aztecs and their neighbors and between different Aztec groups.
- Social reasons: The Aztec society was highly stratified, and there was a great deal of tension between the different social classes. This tension often boiled over into violence, particularly during times of economic or political crisis.
In addition to these general reasons, there were also a number of specific factors that contributed to the Aztecs' propensity for violence. These included:
- The Aztec military: The Aztec military was one of the most powerful and well-organized armies in the world at the time. This made it possible for the Aztecs to wage war on a large scale and to conquer and control a vast territory.
- The Aztec religion: The Aztec religion was based on a belief in a pantheon of gods who were often associated with violence and blood. This belief system made it possible for the Aztecs to justify their violence and to see it as a necessary part of their religious duty.
- The Aztec culture: The Aztec culture was a warrior culture, and violence was seen as a virtue. Men were expected to be brave and strong, and they were often rewarded for their violence.
These are just some of the reasons why the Aztecs killed each other. It is important to note that the Aztecs were not a inherently violent people, and they only resorted to violence when they felt it was necessary. However, the combination of religious, political, economic, social, and military factors made it possible for the Aztecs to become one of the most violent societies in history.