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Look at pictures of ancient courts in Mexico
Many played or watched an ancient game called pokta-pok which used a solid, heavy, rubber ball. The games were very important and played during religious ceremonies or festivals.
Many played or watched an ancient game called pokta-pok which used a solid, heavy, rubber ball. The games were very important and played during religious ceremonies or festivals.
It was a combination of soccer, basketball and volleyball. Each team had players who kept a game ball in the air mainly using their body. Players may have worn padding, but would still get bruised up. Taking a hit to the head or stomach could even kill a player.
It was a combination of soccer, basketball and volleyball. Each team had players who kept a game ball in the air mainly using their body. Players may have worn padding, but would still get bruised up. Taking a hit to the head or stomach could even kill a player.
Ball players likely practiced every day as it was important to win for their tribe or city and make their leader happy. Sometimes they were played against rival tribes and betting was done. Leaders of different tribes also would settle disagreements by playing the game. The winning tribe could get new land or property.
Ball players likely practiced every day as it was important to win for their tribe or city and make their leader happy. Sometimes they were played against rival tribes and betting was done. Leaders of different tribes also would settle disagreements by playing the game. The winning tribe could get new land or property.
Each Mayan city had at least one ball court similar to stadiums we have today. The court was a large field with room for spectators to watch. Many levels of bleacher seating surrounded the open air court. People cheered and yelled for the players. The courts were usually at the bottom of a temple or a temple was nearby. A large stone hoop was mounted on the wall.
Each Mayan city had at least one ball court similar to stadiums we have today. The court was a large field with room for spectators to watch. Many levels of bleacher seating surrounded the open air court. People cheered and yelled for the players. The courts were usually at the bottom of a temple or a temple was nearby. A large stone hoop was mounted on the wall.
When playing among themselves, the winners got to keep the losers jewelry. Some games were played with captives from other tribes. The captives or prisoners of war were poorly fed, beaten, and exhausted. So there was very little chance they could win against the professional ball players. After they lost, the captives could even be sacrificed to honor the gods. This means they were killed as an offering to make the gods happy.
When playing among themselves, the winners got to keep the losers jewelry. Some games were played with captives from other tribes. The captives or prisoners of war were poorly fed, beaten, and exhausted. So there was very little chance they could win against the professional ball players. After they lost, the captives could even be sacrificed to honor the gods. This means they were killed as an offering to make the gods happy.
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