Why did the Aztecs sacrifice birds and humans?

The Aztecs practiced human and bird sacrifice primarily as a means to appease their gods and ensure the continuation of the world. They believed that the gods required nourishment in the form of blood to maintain cosmic order and provide agricultural fertility. Human sacrifices, often of war captives, were thought to be the most potent offering, while birds, seen as messengers to the divine, were also sacrificed to honor various deities. These rituals were deeply embedded in their religious beliefs and societal structure.