Ancient Mayan Ball game
The ball game, which was a common activity of all Mayan people and it originated about 3,000 B.C. Most ball courts had two sloping parallel walls, inset with three round disks called markers or a single stone ring, at right angles on the ground. This game involved two teams( the number of players depended on what region the game was played in) The players had to keep the ball in the air with every part of their body, except their hands. This game was so important only nobility could participate. Even though anyone could bet on the outcome. The captain or coach of the defeated team was decapitated. The way they did this was to use an obsidian knife, because it was clean, quick, and practically effortless.
There have been over 600 ball courts found in Mexico alone, and it is believed that there are many others yet to be found. There have been slight variations of the game, but generally they have pretty much the same concept. One practice that everyone one did was the wearing of regalia(Regalia was a fancy costume). They also wore wooden yokes during the game to protect them from the heavy ball. Aztecss wore heavy belts, and the Zapotecs wore heavy helmets and gloves.
The Olmecs were credited with the invention of the ball about 3,000 years ago. They were the first to cultivate the rubber tree which is what they were named for--"The people who use rubber." The Olmecs created the ball using a special process with the rubber tree's extract. The balls were resilient and bouncy, yet hard enough to severely injure a player.
Tour a mayan ball field-----when you reach this click on tour ball court
Information on the game read the Polk-tok info
The ball court at Chitchen Itza
Play the ancient ball game---When you reach this site click on Play game
Look for other information
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