The first world, known as Atonatiuh ('Sun of Water') was destroyed by flood. The second world, Tlatonatiuh ('Sun of Fire') was destroyed by fire. The third world, Totonatiuh ('Sun of Earth') was destroyed by earthquakes. The fourth world, Ehecatonatiuh ('Sun of Wind') was destroyed by hurricanes.
Finally the fifth world, Nahui-Ollin ('4 movement') came to be. In this age the gods created humans, first from clay and then from maize dough. The gods then sacrificed themselves to give life to the humans, who were responsible for sustaining them through offerings and rituals.