The 'Mesoamerican Ballgame': The Aztec's favourite game of life and death

The Mesoamerican ballgame was a ritual and sport that was played by various cultures in ancient Mexico and Central America for over 3000 years.

It involved two teams of players who tried to propel a rubber ball through a stone ring or onto a designated area using only their hips, knees, elbows or shoulders.

The origins of the ballgame are not clear, but some scholars suggest that it may have been influenced by an earlier game from South America called tlachtli, which also used a rubber ball.

The earliest evidence of the ballgame dates back to around 1400 BC in the Olmec civilization, which is considered the mother culture of Mesoamerica.

The ballgame spread to other Mesoamerican cultures such as the Maya, the Zapotec, the Mixtec, the Toltec and the Aztec.

Each culture had its own variations of the rules, equipment, courts and rituals associated with the game.

Some courts were simple earthen mounds with markers, while others were elaborate stone structures with carved reliefs and paintings.

Some games were played for fun or entertainment, while others were part of religious ceremonies or political events.

Some games were friendly competitions, while others were deadly duels.

Even though each culture had its own variations and unique rules, there are some standard elements which help modern historians to understand the basic way the sport operated.

The Mesoamerican ballgame was played with a rubber ball, which was passed back and forth between two teams using only the hips, thighs, and forearms.

The ball had to be passed through a stone hoop set into the walls of the ballcourt, and the team with the most successful passes won the game.

The game was played in rounds, with each round becoming more challenging as the players were required to use more complex techniques and strategies.

The ballcourt itself was also designed to make the game more challenging, with sloping walls, narrow doorways, and other obstacles.

The ballgame had multiple meanings and functions in Mesoamerican society. It was a way of honoring the gods, especially the sun god and the rain god, who were believed to control the movement of the ball in the sky and on earth.

It was also a way of expressing social identity and status, as different groups and classes participated in or sponsored the game.

It was also a way of resolving conflicts and maintaining order, as rival factions or enemies settled their disputes on the court.

And it was also a way of preparing for war and death, as some games involved human sacrifice or ritual decapitation.

The ballgame was not only a sport, but also a form of art and literature. Many Mesoamerican cultures depicted the ballgame in their sculptures, paintings, murals, pottery, codices and oral traditions.

Some of these representations were realistic and detailed, while others were symbolic and abstract.

Some of them showed the actual gameplay and players, while others showed mythological scenes and characters related to the game.

Some of them celebrated the winners and their achievements, while others mourned the losers and their fate.

The ballgame continued to be played even after the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, although its popularity declined.

The Spanish were not fans of the game and considered it to be a sinful activity, often banning it and destroying ballcourts.

However, it survived the Spanish conquest and colonization, and continued to be played in some regions until modern times.

Although the Mesoamerican ballgame is no longer played in its original form, it continues to be celebrated in various ways throughout the region, such as ulama in Mexico, and pok-ta-pok in Belize.

Many ballcourts have been restored and turned into tourist attractions, and the game is sometimes played as part of cultural festivals and celebrations.

It also fascinated many scholars, artists and enthusiasts who studied its history and significance.

The ballgame was not only a game; it was a way of life.