The Aztec people honored Huitzilopochtli as their chief god because they believed he:

brought the rain needed for growing maize.

battled the forces of darkness every night.

created the world and all the people in it.

taught the Aztecs how to build their capital city.

What was the central religious belief that drove the Aztec practice of human sacrifice?

The gods required nourishment to maintain balance in the universe.

It was the most effective way to control the population of Tenochtitlán.

Captured soldiers had to be eliminated to prevent future rebellions.

It was a tradition adopted from Spanish religious practices.

The god of rain and agriculture

The chief god of the sun and war

The feathered serpent god of learning

The god of the harvest and maize

a successful harvest and plentiful food provided by the farmers.

the rain god Tlaloc winning his constant battle against drought.

the sun god Huitzilopochtli's victory over darkness.

a divine game of patolli played by the gods in the heavens.

it was believed to be the most nourishing offering for the gods.

their sacrifice guaranteed a victory in the next military battle.

it was the only type of sacrifice permitted at the Great Temple.

warrior spirits were thought to become advisors to the emperor.