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Photo by Michael McCarty The Aztec calendar wheels have been a source of fascination for centuries. The Aztec calendar was a variation of earlier calendars, such as the well-known ancient Mayan calendar. Unlike the Mayan calendar, which is very « Continue »
Photo by Señor Codo A 16th century document considered one of the most important primary sources on the Aztecs of pre-Columbian Mexico went digital Thursday with a new app that aims to spur research and discussion. The Codex Mendoza is a 1542 « Continue »
(Photo credit: Wikipedia) The Aztec creation myth is believed to be based on older Mesoamerican stories. Different variations have survived, and even throughout the Aztec Empire the story of creation differed among the people. The Aztecs « Continue »
(Photo credit: Wikipedia) Centuries ago, the city-state of Tikal was a powerful and complex society. Today, all that remains of Tikal are the ancient pyramids built by the Mayans. At its height, Tikal was home to over 60,000 Mayans and was a « Continue »
(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 « Continue »
(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 « Continue »
(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 « Continue »
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 « Continue »
(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 « Continue »
(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 « Continue »