The Maya, Aztec, and Inca were all theocracies. Maya temples were religious and governmental centers. In these temples, priests performed rituals dedicated to their gods. The Maya believed their gods controlled everything that happened on Earth, and that these gods were visible in the stars and the moon. Like the Maya, the Aztec organized their society around religion. However, the Aztec thought human sacrifices were essential for contenting their gods, keeping their world safe from destruction, and ensuring abundant harvests, safety, and good fortune. They performed more sacrifices than the Maya or the Inca. These sacrifices were often people from rival communities that the Aztec army conquered. The Inca believed their emperors were descendants
