"In ancient times, it was the Caananite culture that was so depraved and corrupt that it merited utter destruction by the command of G-d. In the 1500's and 1600's, when the Spaniards arrived to find 20,000 human beings being slaughtered atop pyramids every year by having their heart ripped out, that distinction fell to the Aztec culture which was subsequently destroyed, its adherents either converted away from their murderous, cannabalistic practices, or killed."
I was caught off gaurd by a liberal friend of mine a while back about the Spanish actions and relationship with the Aztecs. I wish I would have brought up that point. His mind would have blown at my lack of regard for the native culture. The next conversation will be fun. Thanks.
The Azteca didn't (human) sacrifice 20,000 each year. This was their peak year due to important religious festivities. IIR correctly 20,000 were sacrificed because a new temple to the sun was being dedicated.
Their prisoners cut out hearts were a sacrifice to their sun god and ensured the sun would rise each day