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Mayans: Deception By Temple Rituals

11 minutes 42 seconds

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Reviews Mayan accomplishments in mathematics and astronomy, and then focuses on the Mayans' sacrificial religious practices such as the life-or-death ball games. Develops the theme of blood sacrifice to the gods as a means of social control rather than religious fervor, since the ritual shedding of the king's blood was carried out in secret. Details the ceremonial practices in which the king's tongue was pierced to provide a blood sacrifice to the gods. Observes that as the ritual practices died out, so did the empire.