Which civilization is characterized by its practices in human sacrifice and the worship of war gods?

The civilization known for its practices of human sacrifice and the worship of war gods is the Aztec civilization. The Aztecs, who thrived in central Mexico from the 14th to the 16th centuries, placed a significant emphasis on warfare and viewed human sacrifice as a means to appease their gods, particularly those associated with war and agriculture. They believed that these sacrifices were essential for maintaining the balance of the cosmos and ensuring the continued favor of the gods for their society.

The Aztec pantheon included major deities such as Huitzilopochtli, the god of war and the sun, who was central to their religious practices. The elaborate rituals and ceremonies that accompanied human sacrifice were integral to their culture and were often linked to their military successes.

Other civilizations mentioned, like the North American Indians, Mayans, and Incas, had their own unique religions and practices, but they did not exhibit the same level of emphasis on human sacrifice in the context of warfare or the same worship dynamic towards war gods that defined Aztec religious practices.