reciprocal. Not only did the gods create people and enable them to live, the people were responsible for feeding and strengthening their gods, a concept that gave rise to the practice of human sacrifice. Although both peoples believed in human sacrifice, the Mayans only practiced this ritual occasionally, while the Aztecs practiced it continually. Everyone in Aztec society sacrificed a little of his own blood from time to time, usually by piercing his tongue or earlobes with a reed. ôRich merchants also offered slaves in sacrifice, military conquerors offered their war captives. Their hearts were torn out by the priests and offered, still beating, to the godö (ôAztecs and Mayas religionö).
The Aztecs and Mayas worshipped different gods a
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