Maya and human sacrifice - Info sheet

The Maya civilisation, known for its deep-seated religious beliefs, regularly engaged in rituals that reflected their devotion. Among these practices were bloodletting ceremonies and the more rare, yet highly significant, human sacrifices. Unlike the more common animal offerings, human sacrifices were reserved for special occasions and were deemed particularly valuable when the individual was of high status or exhibited bravery. These acts of sacrifice were not only a means to honour the gods but also an exchange for divine favours, as the Maya believed their deities controlled natural elements and events, such as the changing of seasons and the outcomes of battles.

Within the realm of Mayan rituals, there were two principal types: bloodletting and death rituals. Bloodletting rituals often culminated in human sacrifices, whereas death rituals focused on burial practices, ensuring that the deceased had a successful passage through the underworld and ultimately ascended to the celestial realms. These sacred ceremonies were conducted by Mayan priests at hallowed locations, including pyramid temples and cenotes. One of the most esteemed forms of human sacrifice involved the offering of an enemy ruler, and such events were sometimes associated with ritualistic ball games, showcasing the cultural significance and complexity of Mayan religious practices.