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Holy Killing

Neil MacGregor focuses on Aztec human sacrifices, and animal sacrifice in ancient Greece.

Neil MacGregor continues his series on the expression of shared beliefs in communities around the world and across time, and focuses on sacrifice..

Displayed in the British Museum is a finely-crafted Aztec knife, dating from around 1500, with a richly-decorated handle. It had a brutal purpose - human sacrifice.

In ancient Greece, animal sacrifice was a vital ritual for connection with the deities: the grounds of a Greek temple were in part a sacred public slaughter-house.

Producer Paul Kobrak

Produced in partnership with the British Museum
Photograph (c) The Trustees of the British Museum.

Available now

14 minutes

Last on

Fri 1 Jul 2022 14:45
大象传媒 Radio 4 FM

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Gifts to the Gods

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To Be a Pilgrim

See all episodes from Living with the Gods

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Broadcasts

  • Wed 8 Nov 2017 09:45
    大象传媒 Radio 4 FM
  • Wed 8 Nov 2017 19:45
    大象传媒 Radio 4
  • Fri 1 Jul 2022 14:45
    大象传媒 Radio 4 FM

Animations

Neil MacGregor tells the stories of some of the key objects in the series.

Podcast

  • Living with the Gods

    Neil MacGregor explores the role and expression of shared beliefs around the world.