HUITZILOPOCHTLI the supreme being in the religions of ancient Mexico, and also the god of war. He was the mythic leader and chief divinity of the Aztecs, domi nant tribe of the Nahua nation. As a humming-bird Huitzilo pochtli was alleged to have led the Aztecs to a new home. His idol was a huge block of basalt (still thought to be preserved in Mexi co), on one side of which he is sculptured in hideous form, adorned with the feathers of the humming-bird. The ceremonies of his worship were of the most bloodthirsty character, and hundreds of human beings were sacrificed annually before his shrine, their limbs being eaten by his worshippers.
When his temple was dedicated in 1486 it is traditionally reported that 70,000 people were killed. (See MExico.)