Which empire is noted for utilizing human sacrifices?

The Aztec Empire is well-known for its practice of human sacrifices as a central part of its religious and cultural traditions. This ritual was conducted to appease the gods and ensure the continuation of the world, reflecting the deeply ingrained belief in the necessity of offering human lives to maintain cosmic and agricultural balance. The Aztecs believed that the sun required nourishment in the form of blood to rise each day, leading to elaborate ceremonies that often involved capturing prisoners for sacrifice.

In contrast, while the Inca and Maya civilizations had their own complex religious practices, human sacrifice was not as prominent or ritualized as it was among the Aztecs. The Olmec civilization, known for its colossal heads and early influence on Mesoamerican culture, did not have documented practices of human sacrifice that are comparable to those of the Aztecs. Understanding these nuanced differences in cultural practices highlights the unique role of the Aztecs in the context of Mesoamerican history.