Why did early human societies practice violent human sacrifice?

Human sacrifice seems horrifying and costly. But there might be a reason so many early human societies practiced it.

Gory Offerings to the Gods: Human Sacrifice Throughout History

There were different methods of Aztec heart sacrifice, and reasons behind them

Aztec Sacrifice - World History Encyclopedia

Did Human Sacrifice Help People Form Complex Societies? - The Atlantic

Human sacrifice played a key role in shaping ancient societies

Did the Aztecs perform human sacrifices? - Quora

Unearthing Secrets of the History of Human Sacrifice – Brewminate: A Bold Blend of News and Ideas

An unwarranted human sacrifice in the Middle East - Humanitarian Law & Policy Blog

Sacrificial virgins of the Mississippi

Did Human Sacrifice Help People Form Complex Societies? - The Atlantic

Why Did Some Early Human Societies Practice Violent Human Sacrifice? – Brewminate: A Bold Blend of News and Ideas

Human sacrifice played a key role in shaping ancient societies

Human sacrifice - Wikipedia

There is no such thing as 'Human Sacrifice'”

Why did the Lamanites Sacrifice Women and Children to Idols? « Meridian Magazine