Tlachtli

Tlachtli was an ancient Mesoamerican ballgame played by civilizations such as the Aztecs and Maya, similar to a sport but with significant cultural and ritual importance. Played with a rubber ball on a stone court, the objective was to keep the ball in play using hips, thighs, or other body parts, avoiding the use of hands. The game often symbolized cosmic battles and social order, sometimes involving symbolic sacrifices. It was a highly ritualized activity that reflected religious beliefs, reinforced social hierarchy, and promoted community identity, making it an integral part of Mesoamerican culture.