ABSTRACT
The Aztecs traveled southward across the dry, cactus lands. It looked like the perfect place for the Aztecs to settle down. In high spirits, they built a shrine to Huitzilopochtli and celebrated the end of their journey with a sumptuous feast. Next morning, before the Sun rose, the Aztecs loaded up their canoes and paddled off to a group of islands in the middle of the lake. As they reached the shore, one of the godbearers was almost blinded by a dazzling vision of Huitzilopochtli. The Aztec emperor, priests, and nobles were the chief war leaders. The bravest nobles were allowed to join one of two prestigious military ordersthe Eagle Knights and the Jaguar Knightswhich combined fighting skills with religious vows. Dressed in eagle or jaguar costumes, they were the most highly regarded soldiers in the Aztec army and led the army into war.
