CHAPTER XIV.--Difficulty of estimating the civilization of the
Aztecs--Nations in Yucatan--Value of contemporary history--The Aztec monarchy--elective--Royal style in Tenochtitlan-- Montezuma's way of life--Despotic power of the Emperor over life and law--Theft--intemperance--marriage--slavery--war--Military system and hospitals--Coin--Revenues--Aztec mythology--Image of Teoyaomiqui--Teocalli--Two kinds of sacrifice--Why the Aztecs sacrificed their prisoners--Common Sacrifice--Gladitorial Sacrifice--Sacrificial Stone--Aztec Calendar--week, month, year, cycle--Procession of the New Fire--Astronomical Science--Aztec Calendar--Tables, 99