What type of rituals were commonly performed by the Aztecs?

The Aztecs are well-known for their practice of human sacrifice, which was a central element of their religious and cultural life. This ritual was believed to be necessary to appease the gods and ensure the continuation of the world. The Aztecs believed that the gods had sacrificed themselves to create the world, and in return, they required human blood to provide nourishment and sustain the sun. Such sacrifices were often made during large public ceremonies, particularly at temples, and were accompanied by elaborate rituals that included music, dancing, and offerings.

While offerings of food and drink, burials of the deceased, and harvest festivals were also significant aspects of Aztec culture, human sacrifice was uniquely prominent and serves as a defining characteristic of their religious practices. The scale and importance of human sacrifice in Aztec society highlight their beliefs surrounding life, death, and the cyclical nature of existence, underscoring the intensity of their spirituality and the societal structures that supported these rituals.