The Aztecs were widely considered to be hunter-gatherers from Aztlan, known as White Land. They went by another name, the Tenochca, which is why their capital city was called Tenochtitlan, a natural derivation of their name.
This nomadic tribe from northern Mexico started arriving in Mesoamerica during the 13th century. It didn’t take them long to become a dominant force in Mexico. They developed an incredible network of commercial, social, political, and religious organizations within short order.
Such was their power and influence across the region that the Aztec empire soon encompassed many city-states by the 15th century. However, under conquistador Cortes, the Spanish decimated the Aztec Empire, using brutal force to bring them under submission. Hernan Cortes captured the Aztec capital city of Tenochtitlan in 1521, obliterating the last remaining native civilization of Mesoamerica.
But the end of the Aztec Empire hardly tells the story of the Aztec Empire. The Aztecs created a 3-way alliance between the Tacubans and the Texcocans to defeat their archrivals – the Tepanec. This they did, and by 1440, Montezuma I assumed the reins, becoming the iconic father of the extraordinary Aztec empire. Like the Mayans, the Aztecs participated in human sacrifice.
The Aztec gods remain the stuff of legend to this day. Indeed, we see evidence of plenty of this in our cultural zeitgeist, from Hollywood blockbusters to iconic social slot games. There is so much we want to know about these Mesoamerican cultures.
Our morbid curiosity invariably gravitates toward the power of these tribes and the human sacrifices that took place in their temples. And so, we pay homage to the Aztecs and the Mayans in our literature, films, and games.
Aztec-Themed Social Games
Social games are all the rage nowadays. Aztec-themed attractions captivate audiences with their blistering appeal, Gold Coins, and jewel-rich gameplay. Nowhere is this more apparent than Aztec Power Nudge social casino slot. This thematic masterpiece instantly transports players back to the 1400s when the Aztecs reigned supreme. Set against the Central American jungles with Aztec pyramids in the background, this game showcases an adventure for the ages. And it’s free to play, courtesy of GCs.
A social slot by design, Aztec Powe Nudge draws players into the fold with pulse-pounding action on every spin. It stays true to the Aztec roots by accepting virtual in-game currency known as Gold Coins (GCs). The Aztecs were mesmerized by gold coins, and players got to experience the same fanfare in this game. Unsurprisingly, the Aztec culture held gold in high esteem because they believed it was the excrement of the gods. Therefore, it was deemed a powerful and sacred material. They proudly wore it as personal adornments, for war objects, and as part of ritualistic sacrifices.
Naturally, fans of Aztec Power Nudge social slot get to experience all the high-octane energy without fear. This entertaining game features rubies, sapphires, citrullines, emeralds, and a dollop of Aztec-themed masks. As always, this ancient culture was fascinated with the supernatural. Aztec mysticism is alive and well in the game with gold embossed scatter symbols wielding tremendous power in the form of free spins to reward players. This high volatility slot generates fan buzz thanks to its immersive, thematic gameplay.
Mesoamerican-Inspired Films
Perhaps one of the most brilliant depictions of Mesoamerican life, culture, and traditions was the Hollywood blockbuster by talented writer/actor/director Mel Gibson. Apocalypto (December 8, 2006) was a 138-minute thriller set in the jungles of Central America. It brilliantly depicts the ruthless, brutal, and rugged nature of life and the invading tribes at the time. The film largely takes place in Mexico, and the Maya were spectacularly depicted in this epic story.
Apocalypto tells the heartbreaking story of Jaguar Paw – a powerful leader desperate to protect his tribe from marauding Mayan warriors. The film focuses on the chase genre and does a sublime job of bringing the audience into the action. The directors successfully shook up the rather stale action genre with developed characters and a thrilling storyline. Apoclypto’s budget was a paltry $40 million, but it grossed over $120 million at the box office – a critical success for Gibson and co-writer Farhad Safinia.
There you have it folks! A walk down memory lane with Aztec and Mayan-inspired creations for the modern age.