On which more than 2,000 years ago, sacrifices were made in the hope of taming the wild, seemingly uncontrollable forces that filled life with danger and uncertainty.
One day, as the gods began sacrificing each other for the newly created Sun, Xolotl, a master transformer, managed to escape death by turning himself...into a salamander.
The discovery in 2017 that a grave containing two sacrificed horses and an armoury of weapons belonged to a woman has led to suggestions that women could fight as warriors.
In 1925, Iemanja festivities got a massive publicity boost when a group of 25 Rio Vermelho fishermen made offerings to the goddess in exchange for calm seas and big catches.
Others disagree, but bull-leaping has often been seen as a religious performance, possibly involving the sacrifice of the animal, and even the accidental death of the leaper.
Scientists in Ireland say ancient human remains discovered in peatland appear to be those of a young woman, they believe was sacrificed more than 2,000 years ago.
When the temple is complete, throngs will gather on its perimeter — offering prayers, performing sacrifices, and pouring libations for the goddess of wisdom.
On the dictionary's website, they explain that on a certain religious holiday, ancient Hebrews would sacrifice one goat and lead another one into the wilderness.