The Mesoamerican Ballgame

ancient sport · Mesoamerica · ritual · history

Super old game. The Mesoamerican ballgame was played for more than 3,000 years, starting around 1650 BCE. That makes it one of the oldest organized sports in the world.

Ritual and sport. This wasn't just a game people played for fun. It was connected to sacred ceremonies and beliefs, so it had deep spiritual meaning to the Mesoamerican peoples.

Many versions. Different civilizations across Mesoamerica played their own versions of the ballgame over the centuries. The rules and styles changed depending on where and when people played.

Still played today. An indigenous version called ulama continues to be played by Native Mexican communities in certain regions. The ancient sport never completely disappeared.