The Aztecs believed they owed everything to the gods for creating themselves and the world around them, so the gods needed to be fed or nourished daily. To honor their gods and show their gratitude they performed human sacrifices by offering hearts and blood. In doing so, they believed that human sacrifices would ensure their existence in the world and, in turn, help them in the afterlife. The Aztecs also saw these rituals as a way to send a political message to control their citizens and instill fear in their foreign neighbors. These sacrifices were performed by a specialized priest in the great temple, the Huey Teocalli, at the top of the pyramid for all to witness. The heart was cut out while the victim was still alive. The still beating heart would then be burned as an offering to the chosen god. Next, the body was thrown down the steps of the pyramid where the head was then cut off and placed on a skull rack, known as a Tzompantli, displayed for all to see. (Ancient history