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Human Sacrifices Thrown from Platform by Priests
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Human Sacrifices Thrown from Platform by Priests
Aztecs of Mexico- Priests at Tenochtitlan cut the heart from a still- living victim then fling the carcase from the platform Date: circa 1500
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Media ID 23030314
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1519 Aztecs Carcase Fling Heart Human Living Mexico Platform Priests Sacrifice Tenochtitlan Victim
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This haunting image captures the grim reality of human sacrifice in the Aztec civilization of Mexico, specifically in the city of Tenochtitlan around the year 1500. The Aztecs, a prominent Mesoamerican culture, were known for their complex religious beliefs, which included the belief that the gods demanded the sacrifice of human lives to maintain the balance of the universe. In this chilling scene, Aztec priests perform a ritual sacrifice, cutting the heart from a still-living victim. The victim, likely chosen based on his or her social status or age, is held down on the stone altar by assistants. The priest, dressed in elaborate feathered attire and wearing a skull mask, wields a sharp obsidian knife. With a swift motion, he cuts through the victim's chest, exposing the beating heart. The moment of sacrifice is captured mid-action, as the priests prepare to fling the carcass from the platform. The lifeless body, now devoid of its vital organ, is unceremoniously thrown down to the crowd below. The blood of the victim, believed to be a powerful offering to the gods, would be collected and used in various religious rituals. This image, though difficult to confront, provides a glimpse into the complex and intricate religious practices of the Aztec civilization. It is a reminder of the deep-rooted beliefs and customs that shaped the lives of the people of this ancient culture. The scene depicted in this photograph is a stark contrast to the modern world, yet it continues to fascinate and intrigue historians, anthropologists, and scholars alike. This image is a valuable historical record, offering insight into the Aztec civilization and the human sacrifices that were an integral part of their religious practices. It is a poignant reminder of the complex and often brutal history of Mexico and the indigenous peoples who once inhabited its lands.
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