The trick of manipulation of the masses which works today too

I like some Mel Gibson's movies and one of them is Apocalypto, but here I won't talk how wonderful this movie is and so on, but would like to mention one fragment to you.
In this particular episode it is obvious how just few people, who are on top of the pyramid of direct and figurative meanings, can easy manipulate the masses and priest with the king can be like Gods for them. That episode appeared very interesting to me. 
The trick of the manipulation of the masses which works today too, because "human nature" has never changed. The form of the tricks changes only and becomes more sophisticated. That is very simple to understand. Enjoy the clip :)