Why did the Aztecs people choose to engage in human sacrifice?

Answer 1

The Aztecs engaged in human sacrifice for a combination of religious, cultural, and political reasons. Here are some possible explanations:

1. Religious Beliefs: The Aztecs believed that human sacrifice was a necessary offering to the gods to ensure the continued existence of the world and to maintain cosmic balance. They believed that sacrificing human life provided sustenance and energy to the deities, who would then reward them with protection, fertility, and good harvests.

2. Offering for Creation: Aztec mythology states that the current world and humanity were created through a sacrifice when the gods Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca sacrificed themselves to create the sun and earth. By engaging in human sacrifice, the Aztecs saw themselves as repeating this cosmic act of creation and maintaining the divine order.

3. Political Control: Human sacrifice played a crucial role in maintaining political power and social control. Sacrifices were often carried out as a display of power and intimidation, not only to maintain the loyalty of the Aztec subjects but also to ensure the submission of neighboring tribes to the Aztec empire. The spectacle of human sacrifice served to solidify Aztec dominance and instill fear in their enemies.

4. Economic and Agricultural Benefits: Aztec priests believed that sacrificing humans, especially strong and healthy individuals, would please the gods and ensure bountiful harvests and agricultural prosperity. The success of their agriculture, including important crops like maize, relied on ensuring divine favor through blood offerings.

5. Prophecy and Divination: The Aztecs believed that the gods communicated with them through signs and omens. Consulting priests would interpret these signs, often requiring human sacrifice to appease the gods and fulfill a predicted destiny.

6. Status and Honor: Being selected as a sacrifice was considered an honorable role in Aztec society. Sacrificial victims were often chosen from noble families or as prisoners of war, and they willingly participated in the ritual as a way to gain honor for themselves and their families.

It is important to note that these are just some of the reasons suggested by historians and scholars, as the actual motivations and attitudes toward human sacrifice in Aztec society may have been more complex and multifaceted.