The Aztecs were one of four cultures released in Set 5 of Anachronism.

Brief History

According to legend, seven tribes of Nahua peoples (Mesoamericans who spoke Nahuatl) lived under a tyrant in Aztlán. Eventually, each tribe migrated from Aztlán to various areas of present-day Mexico. The last of these tribes to leave were the Mexica; they followed their priest, Huitzil, for hundreds of years before settling down. Eventually, Huitzilopochtli, now their chief deity, told the Mexica to look for a sign: an eagle perched upon a cactus, devouring a snake. Upon this site, in the middle of Lake Texcoco, the Mexica built their city - Tenochtitlan.

For years, the Mexica were only a minor power in the area. The Tepanec were the big boys in Mesoamerica at the time. It wasn't until Itzcóatl united with the rulers of two other cities next to Lake Texcoco in 1428, that Tepanec dominance was toppled. This Triple Alliance of cities would lay the foundation for the Aztec Empire.

Though Itzcóatl began the Aztecs' rise to power, it was his nephews who solidified the new empire. When Moctezuma I became the ruler, and Tlacaelel his chief priest, the history of the Nahuatl and Mexica were reenvisioned in a grand Aztec narrative. Human sacrifice and martial prowess, already prevalent in Mexica culture, were tantamount in the new Aztec Empire.

For nearly a century, the Aztecs were the undisputed ruler of this region of Mesoamerica. It was only when Hernán Cortés arrived that things started to go downhill for the Aztecs. Despite the martial culture and social hegemony of the Aztecs, the Spanish found many other Mesoamerican people who were only too willing to help take down the Aztec Empire. Throw in European-borne disease, and Tenochtitlan fell to the Spanish in late 1521.

Aztecs in Anachronism

Auítzotl warrior pack

• Auítzotl
  • Tlaloc
  • Atlatl
  • Chimalli
  • Mectal

Cuitláhuac warrior pack

• Cuitláhuac
  • Tezcatlipoca
  • Tlacochtli
  • Ocelocolohtic
  • Ocelomeh

Itzcóatl warrior pack

• Itzcóatl
  • Teyaotenyiliztli
  • Macuahuitl
  • Cuauhcuachimalli
  • Teponaztli

Moctezuma II vs. Hernán Cortés starter box

• Moctezuma II
  • Quetzalcoatl
  • Tecpatl
  • Copilli
  • Tlimatli

Tlacaelel warrior pack

• Tlacaelel
  • Huitzilopochtli
  • Tematlatl
  • Ichcahuipilli
  • Xochivaovotl

Promotional Cards

In addition to the Aztecs in Set 5, TriKing has so far released a few promotional cards for the Aztec culture:

• Cuauhxicalli
• Templo Mayor
• Quauhololli

Status of Set 8

Currently, Anachronism and TriKing have entered a bit of a rough patch, financially. It has been the better part of a year since Set 7's release, and there is no timetable for Set 8. Michael Brown of TriKing has mentioned that plans are in place to relaunch Anachronism, with a stronger business model. What this "Anachronism 2.0" might signify for existing sets is unknown. The common perception is that Set 8 will not see the light of day -- at the very least, not in its current form.

Despite its status, Set 8 is being released pack-by-pack on the Anachronism forums. The game's lead developer, Steve McLaughlin (a.k.a. "Shteevie"), is the one releasing the card texts and sanctioning them for player use. In addition to the packs, he has so far spoiled a few promotional cards from the unprinted Set 8, including Quauhololli.

Trivia

• {coming soon}

Links

• Aztec on Wikipedia