We got up at 4:20 a.m. to beat the crowds to Chichen Itza. With only a handful of us at this ancient Mayan site we were awed as the sun rose behind the pyramid.
Chichen Itza is famous for having the largest ancient ball court. Teams played with an eleven pound rubber ball. It was considered an honour to be a ball player. They hit it off of their legs and hips—they weren’t allowed to use their hands. The game ended when a team was able to get the ball through a hoop high up on the wall. If you look carefully you can still see the hoop. Does this sound anything like games we play today? The day started early so I think we will sleep well tonight. You are Always in my Prayers. Love Mom.
18 Comments
W2B
1/15/2020 06:56:11 am
Ray & Dianne
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Ray
1/15/2020 05:18:11 pm
Apparently bruising and injuries occurred but the did wear some protection on their hips. The sun rise was beautiful and worth the walk into the site in the dark (we brought a headlamp). Today we are at a beach resort in Cancun just relaxing.
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WS7
1/15/2020 08:54:10 am
How would people get a basket only playing with feet and hips?
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Ray
1/15/2020 05:21:43 pm
Some pictures show the captain of the team (who stood closest to the hoop and was responsible for scoring) with a stick. It must have been very hard since first goal won the game.
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W7S B
1/15/2020 08:55:06 am
Is this the same game that we talked about?
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Ray
1/15/2020 05:22:28 pm
Yes I believe we did mention the game on our visit.
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W7S
1/15/2020 08:55:31 am
Is this the he game we talked about in our class?
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Ray
1/15/2020 05:23:29 pm
According to our guide (and a mural on the side of the court just the captain.
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W07 AB TL ZP
1/15/2020 08:55:53 am
Do you know how old the game is?
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Ray
1/15/2020 05:27:58 pm
Versions have been found in most Mesoamerica civilizations. The oldest court dates to 1400 BC. That would make it 3400 years old.
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W7S
1/15/2020 08:56:37 am
How old were the Buildings?
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Ray
1/15/2020 05:31:05 pm
They buildings are often built over older buildings. The current building date from around 600 CE.
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WO7 SKKC
1/15/2020 08:56:50 am
We were wondering what the winners of this game did to celebrate their big win.
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Diane
1/15/2020 05:32:25 pm
Players are of a very high status in their society. The Captain of the winning team was sacrificed.
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W07CB
1/15/2020 08:57:15 am
What was the game called
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Dis e
1/15/2020 05:28:10 pm
Pok ta Pok is what they called it in Mérida, but it is called different things in different places.
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w2b
1/15/2020 03:10:51 pm
how to put the 11 pound in the hoop
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Diane
1/15/2020 05:26:20 pm
It was very difficult up that high.
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Ray & Diane HomewoodSharing the Blessing of Travel Archives
April 2020
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