Answer to Question #306825 in History for Diyar

Question

Explain Kerkhove’s reading of the practice of human sacrifice, i.e. why did the Aztecs practice human sacrifice?

Answer 1

The Aztecs offered human sacrifice to gods. Their priests, used sharp razors obsidian blades, and then sliced open the chests of sacrificial victims and offered to their gods. They then tossed the victims’ lifeless bodies down the steps of the towering Templo Mayor.

Human sacrifice also played a key role in expanding the Aztec empire. The ritual killing of war captives and the large-scale displaying of skulls were visceral reminders of the strength of the empire and the extent of its dominion. This was further proved through the DNA that most of the skulls of the sacrificed people were not from the Aztec empire, they were outsiders.