Aztec cosmology is the belief system of the Aztec civilization, which flourished in central Mexico from the 14th to the 16th centuries. It describes the universe as a layered structure, consisting of multiple realms, including the heavens, the earth, and the underworld. The Aztecs believed that these realms were interconnected and inhabited by various deities, each governing different aspects of life and nature. Central to Aztec cosmology is the concept of cycles, particularly the cycles of creation and destruction. The Aztecs believed that the world had gone through several creations, each ending in a cataclysm. They also emphasized the importance of rituals and offerings to appease the gods, ensuring balance and harmony in the universe.