In the UK, easily the most studied ancient civilizations are the Romans, ancient Greeks, and ancient Egyptians. The UK played a key part in some of the major Egyptian excavations, while the Greeks heavily influenced the Romans, who came to conquer the British Isles. Connecting them all is a simple fact that their histories, records, and mythologies are incredibly well preserved, as are their structures.
It’s for these reasons that the ancient Mesoamerican civilization of the Aztecs is also of huge interest to so many. Even though their story is one of Spanish conquest, we know so much about them and their grizzly rituals through invaluable records of just about every aspect of Aztec life. This makes them real in the modern day, enticing as a point of interest and a great reason for a trip to Mexico.
Instantly Recognizable and Forever Intriguing
Whether it’s the temples, gold, obsidian and jade artifacts, feathered or pelt outfits, stone carvings, or the praise for the sun, you can spot an Aztec theme or premise from a mile away. This popularity and instant recognisability are leveraged by entertainment providers in the UK, as is perfectly demonstrated by one of the top games that can be played with casino promotions and offers: Aztec Spins.
As a part of the Daily Jackpots range, anyone can snag 50 free spins and then another 100 free spins to play the popular Aztec slot. Once opened, you’re met with a series of ancient-inspired symbols, including the famous stone carvings and warriors of the ancient civilization. The centerpiece of the game, though, is the Aztec Wheel just behind the slot. This holds all of the features, including symbol locks, multipliers, and free spins.
The fondness of gold that the Aztecs have lent them well as an eye-catching theme in slots, with its symbol design showing as much by coating each high-paying icon in gold. On the big screen, the appeal is also very strong, but few creations have been able to land critical or audience acclaim. Perhaps the standout is Hernán, which was released in 2019 to Prime Video and followed the story of Hernán Cortés.
Places to Visit Witness Aztec History in the Real World
Source: Pixabay
Experiencing a bit of the Aztec world through entertainment media is one thing, but if you want to truly witness the grandeur and might of the ancient Aztec empire, you’re going to need to go to Mexico. Best of all, one of the main flight destinations, Mexico City, is home to many Aztec ruins. Cortés built Mexico City on top of the capital Tenochtitlan after it was razed. Beneath the city, you can still find Templo Mayor beneath the Metropolitan Cathedral.
Away from the capital – or rather, a little bit beyond the sinking city’s border – are the best-preserved and most well-known Aztec ruins. Teotihuacán still features two of the iconic pyramids that have stapled the civilization in the history books. You arrive by walking through the Avenue of the Dead before bearing witness to the temples of the sun and moon as well as the Temple of Quetzalcoatl – the great feathered serpent god of the sun and knowledge.
Going far further off of the beaten track as far as most tourists are concerned, you could get your hiking boots on to venture into the mountains of Morelos. It’s a long and trying journey, but at the end, you’ll find incredible waterscapes and El Tepozteco. The temple is dedicated to one of the divine partying rabbits and proved to be the center of a cult dedicated to the rabbit.
The Aztecs are iconic. If you’re a history buff or just want to witness some of the great ancient cultures of a far-flung part of the world, you can’t go wrong by following the paths once walked by the revered and feared Mesoamericans.
By Amey MyersAmey, an intrepid traveler and avid blogger, roams the world, absorbing diverse cultures, flavors, and experiences. Her writing captures the essence of her adventures, inspiring others to explore. Amey's infectious passion for travel and storytelling epitomizes a life filled with exploration and adventure.
