Did the Aztecs have board games?

While there's no direct archaeological evidence of a board game in the classic sense, the Aztecs did have games of skill and chance that were played with a board-like surface.

Here's what we know:

* Patolli: This is the most famous Aztec game. It was played on a cross-shaped board with squares, using beans or small stones as pieces. The game's rules are not fully understood, but it involved moving your pieces across the board, potentially with elements of luck and strategy. Patolli was considered a sacred game, linked to the calendar and the cosmos. It was also used for gambling and social gatherings.

* Other Games: There are mentions of other games in Aztec codices, like Totoloque, which involved throwing a bean-shaped object onto a board marked with squares. This could be considered a simpler, less elaborate version of Patolli.

* Ball Game: The "Juego de Pelota" (Ball Game) was incredibly important in Aztec culture and played on a large court. Although not a board game, it shared elements of strategy and physical skill.

However, there are reasons why we might not find direct evidence of classic board games:

* Materials: Materials used for board games, such as wood and textiles, would have decayed over time, leaving little evidence.

* Focus on Ritual: Aztec culture often emphasized ritual and symbolic meaning in their games. This might have led to less focus on complex rules and game pieces we associate with modern board games.

Overall: While the Aztecs didn't have board games in the modern sense, they did have games of skill and chance that were played on a board-like surface. These games played a significant role in their culture and provided opportunities for entertainment, social interaction, and religious significance.