Aztec Mythology is a collection of beliefs and stories from the ancient Aztec civilization, which thrived in central Mexico from the 14th to the 16th centuries. Central to their mythology are gods and goddesses, such as Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent, and Huitzilopochtli, the god of war and the sun. These deities were believed to influence various aspects of life, including agriculture, warfare, and the changing seasons. The Aztecs practiced rituals and ceremonies to honor their gods, often involving offerings and sacrifices. They believed that the universe was in a constant state of balance, maintained through these acts. Myths often explained the creation of the world, the cycles of life and death, and the importance of human sacrifice to sustain the gods and ensure cosmic order.