Human sacrifice
Like many other groups in Central America, the Aztec often sacrificed human beings to their gods. During these dramatic rites, priests slashed open the chest of a living victim and tore out the heart. In doing so, the Aztec believed they were following the example of their gods, who had shed their own blood to water the earth and ensure abundant harvests of corn. Most victims were prisoners of war or slaves.
Excerpt adapted from the "Aztec" article, The World Book Encyclopedia © 1999