Human sacrifice

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Tzompantli (Templo Mayor) - Ciudad de México

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Le Tour du monde-07-p101

Arago – 'Supplice Sandwich'

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Moloch the god

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Sacrifice Polyxena BM GR1897.7-27.2

Human sacrifice is the act of killing one or more human beings as part of a ritual, often intended to please or appease gods, spirits, or the deceased, including as a propitiatory offering or as a part of a cultural tradition. Throughout history, various cultures have practiced human sacrifice for reasons that include religious, magical, and ideological motives.

Origins and History

The practice of human sacrifice has been observed in numerous cultures around the world. It was often seen as a means to ensure good harvests, victory in war, or to appease deities in charge of crucial aspects such as health, weather, and prosperity. Ancient civilizations such as the Aztecs, Maya, Inca, and the Egyptians, as well as various cultures in Africa, Europe, and Asia, have recorded instances of human sacrifice in their histories.

Aztecs

The Aztecs are perhaps one of the most well-known cultures that practiced human sacrifice extensively. They believed that such sacrifices were necessary to appease their gods and ensure the sun would rise each day. Victims were often prisoners of war who were offered to the gods in elaborate ceremonies conducted by priests at temples.

Maya

The Maya also practiced human sacrifice, though less frequently than the Aztecs. Sacrifices were made to appease the gods, mark significant calendar dates, or consecrate important events such as the accession of a new ruler.

Inca

In the Inca Empire, human sacrifice, known as capacocha, was a ritual that involved the sacrifice of children in times of famine, natural disasters, or the death of an emperor. These children were chosen for their perfection and beauty as it was believed that only the most pristine offerings would appease the gods.

Cultural and Religious Significance

Human sacrifice held deep religious and cultural significance for the societies that practiced it. It was often seen as a necessary act to maintain the balance of the cosmos, ensure divine favor, or communicate with the spiritual realm. The victims were sometimes volunteers who believed their sacrifice would ensure a place of honor in the afterlife.

Decline and Abolition

The practice of human sacrifice has declined over the centuries, largely due to the spread of monotheism, increased centralization of power, and the influence of other cultures and religions that condemned the practice. In many cases, colonial powers and Christian missionaries played a significant role in its abolition.

Contemporary Perspectives

Today, human sacrifice is almost universally outlawed and viewed as a barbaric relic of the past. However, its history is studied to understand the cultural and religious contexts that gave rise to such practices. Anthropologists and historians examine human sacrifice to gain insights into human belief systems, social structures, and the value placed on human life in different cultures.

See Also

• Religion and ritual in ancient Egypt
• Aztec mythology
• Inca religion
• Child sacrifice in pre-Columbian cultures
• Sacrifice in ancient Rome