What Empire Sacrificed Their Captives from War?
Throughout history, empires have engaged in wars to expand their territories, acquire resources, and assert their dominance. In the aftermath of these conflicts, one of the most brutal and inhumane practices was the sacrifice of captives, often as a form of human sacrifice to appease the gods or to assert the empire’s power and dominance. In this article, we will explore which empire was guilty of this horrific practice.
The Olmec Empire
One of the earliest recorded examples of human sacrifice is that of the Olmec Empire, which flourished in Mesoamerica from 1500 BCE to 400 BCE. The Olmecs, who were the first Mesoamerican civilization, built elaborate cities and developed a complex system of writing. However, they also had a dark side, engaging in human sacrifice as part of their religious rituals.
The Aztec Empire
The Aztecs, who succeeded the Olmecs, were also known for their brutal treatment of captives. They believed that human sacrifice was necessary to appease the gods and to ensure the continuation of the empire. The Aztecs believed that the gods required the sacrifice of innocent lives, and they believed that this sacrifice would bring them power, wealth, and protection.
The Mayan Empire
The Mayans, who were also a Mesoamerican civilization, engaged in human sacrifice as part of their religious rituals. The Mayans believed that the gods required the sacrifice of human blood to maintain the balance of the universe and to ensure the continuation of the empire.
The Inca Empire
The Incas, who built the famous city of Machu Picchu, were also known for their practice of human sacrifice. They believed that the gods required the sacrifice of innocent lives, and they believed that this sacrifice would bring them power, wealth, and protection.
The Germanic Tribes
In Europe, the Germanic tribes, such as the Goths and the Vikings, were also known for their practice of human sacrifice. They believed that the gods required the sacrifice of human lives, and they believed that this sacrifice would bring them power, wealth, and protection.
The Roman Empire
The Roman Empire, which was one of the most powerful empires in history, also engaged in human sacrifice. The Romans believed that the gods required the sacrifice of human lives, and they believed that this sacrifice would bring them power, wealth, and protection. The Romans also believed that human sacrifice was necessary to ensure the continuation of the empire.
The Byzantine Empire
The Byzantine Empire, which was the eastern continuation of the Roman Empire, also engaged in human sacrifice. The Byzantines believed that the gods required the sacrifice of human lives, and they believed that this sacrifice would bring them power, wealth, and protection.
Table: Empires that Sacrificed Their Captives from War
| Empire | Period | Reason for Sacrifice |
|---|---|---|
| Olmec | 1500 BCE – 400 BCE | To appease the gods and ensure the continuation of the empire |
| Aztec | 1325 CE – 1521 CE | To appease the gods and ensure the continuation of the empire |
| Mayan | 2000 BCE – 1500 CE | To maintain the balance of the universe and ensure the continuation of the empire |
| Inca | 1200 CE – 1532 CE | To appease the gods and ensure the continuation of the empire |
| Germanic Tribes | 500 CE – 1100 CE | To appease the gods and ensure the continuation of the empire |
| Roman | 27 BCE – 476 CE | To appease the gods and ensure the continuation of the empire |
| Byzantine | 330 CE – 1453 CE | To appease the gods and ensure the continuation of the empire |
Conclusion
Human sacrifice was a widespread practice throughout history, and many empires engaged in this horrific practice. The Olmec, Aztec, Mayan, Inca, Germanic Tribes, Roman, and Byzantine Empires all believed that human sacrifice was necessary to appease the gods and ensure the continuation of their empires. The practice of human sacrifice is a dark stain on the history of these empires, and it serves as a reminder of the brutal and inhumane treatment of captives from war.
