Home > North America > Mexico > Related Images
AZTEC SACRIFICE
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
AZTEC SACRIFICE
Aztec priests of Mexico sacrifice prisoners to their gods, extracting their hearts and throwing the rest down the temple steps
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23030608
© Mary Evans Picture Library
Aztec Extracting Gods Hearts Human Mexico Priests Prisoners Rest Sacrifice Throwing
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Mary Evans Prints Online
> New Images August 2021
> North America
> Mexico
> Related Images
EDITORS COMMENTS
This haunting image captures the intense and gruesome scene of an Aztec sacrifice taking place in Mexico during the 15th or 16th century. The Aztecs, a prominent civilization in pre-Columbian America, were known for their complex religious practices and human sacrifices, which they believed were essential to maintain the balance of the universe and please their gods. In this scene, Aztec priests, dressed in intricately designed feathered costumes and facial paint, are performing a sacrifice on a bound prisoner. The victim, with a terrified expression on his face, is lying on a stone altar, his chest bare and ready for the extraction of his heart. The priests, using obsidian knives, are poised to make the incision and remove the still-beating organ. Once the heart has been extracted, the priests hold it aloft in offering to their gods, while the rest of the prisoner's body is thrown down the temple steps, often to be devoured by the waiting crowd below. This historical photograph, taken from an original print sourced from Mary Evans Prints Online, provides a chilling glimpse into the ancient customs and beliefs of the Aztec people. The image serves as a reminder of the complex and often brutal history of human sacrifice in pre-Columbian America and the deep reverence the Aztecs held for their gods.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
