What kind of religion did Mesoamerican civilizations practice?

Mesoamerican civilizations, such as the Maya, Aztec, and Olmec, practiced polytheistic religions characterized by a wide array of gods and goddesses, many of which were closely tied to nature and earthly phenomena. These cultures believed in multiple deities that governed various aspects of the natural world, including agriculture, water, the sun, and the underworld, with many gods representing specific elements or natural forces.

The acknowledgment of diverse gods reflects the deep connections these civilizations had with their environment and the importance they placed on understanding and influencing these natural elements for their survival and prosperity. Rituals, ceremonies, and offerings were conducted to appease these gods, demonstrating how religion was intricately woven into daily life, governance, and agricultural practices.

In contrast to the other options, monotheism, agnosticism, and atheism do not accurately represent the religious landscape of Mesoamerica. Monotheistic religions focus on a single deity, which does not align with the beliefs of these civilizations. Agnostic practices, which are marked by uncertainty about the existence of deities, lack the ceremonial and community aspects predominant in Mesoamerican religions. Similarly, atheistic beliefs that prioritize philosophical inquiry over the divine do not reflect the spiritual and ritual