Ritual killing refers to the practice of taking a life as part of a religious or cultural ceremony. This act is often believed to appease deities, ensure good harvests, or fulfill other spiritual needs. Various cultures throughout history have engaged in ritual killings, often involving specific rites and traditions. These practices can be found in different societies, such as the Aztecs, who performed sacrifices to honor their gods, or in certain African tribal traditions. While ritual killing is largely condemned today, it remains a topic of study in anthropology and history, highlighting the complex relationship between culture and belief systems.