Main content
A beautiful knife made for a brutal act
Jago Cooper from the British Museum talks to Neil MacGregor about this finely-crafted Aztec knife, dating from around 1500. He explains that the knife was designed for human sacrifice, a ritual which prevented more widespread suffering during war.
Duration:
This clip is from
Featured in...
![]()
Living With The Gods—Living with the Gods
Neil MacGregor explores the role and expression of shared beliefs around the world.
More clips from Living with the Gods
![]()
The Wheel Of Life
Duration: 02:16
![]()
The dead “mummy bundles” who influenced the living
Duration: 03:28
![]()
The legend of El Dorado
Duration: 02:02
![]()
Who were the Vestal Virgins?
Duration: 03:27






