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, ensure good harvests, or secure victory in battle. The victims could be prisoners of war, slaves, or individuals chosen for their perceived purity or worth. Many ancient civilizations, such as the Aztecs and Inca, practiced human sacrifice. In these societies, the act was often seen as a necessary offering to maintain cosmic order or to gain favor from the gods. While largely abandoned today, the historical significance of human sacrifice remains a topic of study in anthropology and archaeology.