The Mayan Ball Game

One of the ways that the Mayan peoples competed against each other was by playing what has been called
the Ball Game. They used a rubber ball, about 20 inches in diameter, to play the Game, which was played
on a stone "court" whose measurements varied. (The largest one found so far measures 459 feet by 114
feet.) The court had walls that sloped inward, and
hanging high on the walls were stone rings.

The goal of the game was to pass the ball around,

without having it touch your hands, and then get the ball
to pass through one of the rings. Since the rings were so
high and players were not allowed to use their hands, it
was extremely difficult to get the ball through a ring. In
fact, when a player did manage to get a ball through a
ring, that usually ended the game. The game ended
otherwise when the ball touched the ground.

The Mayan Ball Game was a solemn experience, filled

with ritual importance. Religious leaders attended, as did most chieftains and other government leaders.
Sacred songs were sung and played. Other religious activities took place as well.

The winners of the game were treated as heroes and given a great feast. There were occasionally penalties
for losing the game, such as having to pay money to the winners or complete labor.

The game was like games and sports that people play
today in a few ways:

 The players were working as a team to beat

another team of players
 The goal was to get the ball through a hoop
 The goal was also NOT to touch the ball
with one's hands, like soccer is today.
 Huge structures were built just for playing
 The games attracted very large numbers of
people to watch
 Gambling on who would win was common
 The Mayan Ball Game Comprehension Questions
1. Describe the ball and the court used by the Mayans when they played the Mayan Ball Game.

2. Explain how people played the Mayan Ball Game and what the goal of the game was.

3. How is the Mayan Ball Game similar to modern day games that people play?

4. Imagine you were playing the Mayan Ball Game. Write a short story about your involvement in the
game.