Human sacrifice is the act of killing a human being as part of a ritual or religious practice. This practice has been observed in various cultures throughout history, often believed to appease deities or ensure favorable outcomes, such as good harvests or victory in battle. Examples can be found in ancient civilizations like the Aztecs and Incas, where sacrifices were integral to their religious beliefs. The motivations behind human sacrifice vary, but they often stem from a desire to connect with the divine or to fulfill a perceived obligation. In some societies, it was thought that the life of a human could bring about greater benefits for the community, reflecting deep-seated beliefs about life, death, and the spiritual world.