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(Photo credit: Wikipedia) To the Aztecs, calendars were not merely a way to keep time. Every day had religious significance and calendars were a major part of Aztec life and philosophy. Like the Mayans and other Mesoamericans, the Aztecs believed that the world was in a constant cycle of creation and destruction. The Aztec calendars […]
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(Photo credit: Wikipedia) NBCUniversal and Bejing Shouhuan Cultural Tourism Investment Co. are planning on building a $3.3 billion Universal theme park in Bejing. Earlier this month, the Chinese government approved the project, which will start at 300 acres and eventually grow to 1000 acres. Hollywood movies play a big role in China, and NBCU isn’t […]
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(Photo credit: Wikipedia) Quetzalcoatl is easily the most recognizable Mesoamerican deity. Quetzalcoatl, or the Plumed Serpent, was an extremely important figure in the ancient Aztecs’ pantheon. His name comes from the Nahuatl words quetzal and coatl, which means “green feather” and “serpent” respectively. The Plumed Serpent was unique in that he was the only Aztec […]
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(Photo credit: Wikipedia) There are several theories as to exactly how Emperor Montezuma died. After the guests he welcomed as gods betrayed the Aztec people, it’s uncertain if the emperor was killed by his own people or by the Spaniards. And since different accounts tell different stories, researchers often disagree about what actually happened. One […]
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(Photo credit: Wikipedia) The Efteling theme park in Holland, one of the oldest theme parks in the world, is looking to increase its number of visitors. Like Aztlan Theme Park, the Efteling park plans to use a storytelling perspective and a compelling tale to promote its latest attraction. The roller coaster, entitled the “Barron 1898″ […]
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A Goal in the Ball Court at Chichén Itzá, Mexico. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) Recently, Mexican archaeologists determined that watchtower-like structures built on top of a ceremonial ball court at Chichen Itza were made to observe equinoxes and solstices. Researchers already knew that the Mayan ball game had ritual significance, but this revelation gives way to […]
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The City of Coachella is excited to welcome the Aztlan Theme Park to Coachella Valley. The Aztlan Development team and the City of Coachella are equally eager to see the results of this mutually beneficial project. Economic Development Manager Mark Weber noted that the Aztlan Theme Park will have unique benefits in Coachella, including close […]
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(Photo credit: Wikipedia) Some of the most impressive Mayan ruins are the courts on which the Mayan ball game was played. The ancient Mayans took this sport seriously – dead serious, in fact. The game involved a rubber ball about 20 inches in diameter, which players had to pass around without touching it with their […]
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(Photo credit: Wikipedia) There is a flooded sinkhole in Mexico’s Yucatán that has been feared for centuries. Even today, nearby villagers refuse to go anywhere near it. The reason was discovered when researchers conducted an underwater survey in the cavern – the cave’s two chambers contain many human bones. The cave is outside the ancient ruins […]
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(Photo credit: Wikipedia) The newest take on the story of Vlad the Impaler is Universal’s “Dracula Untold,” a movie that focuses on the famous Transylvanian ruler. Unlike most Dracula movies, this film will focus more on a younger Vlad and his family. In order to showcase the movie’s unique set pieces and the new angle […]
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