Mayan Ball Game

The Mayan ball game, known as "pok-a-tok," was a significant cultural activity in ancient Mesoamerica. Played on a court with stone walls, teams used their hips, knees, and elbows to keep a heavy rubber ball in play, aiming to pass it through high hoops. The game held deep religious and political meaning and was often linked to ceremonial events. Victories could symbolize power and favor from the gods, while the game sometimes concluded with human sacrifices, reflecting its importance in Mayan society. It was both a sport and a ritual, highlighting the interplay of competition and spirituality in their culture.