Aztec Games
From the time of the Olmecs,
who flourished in Mexico about 1200 BC, a ritual ball game was played by
all the peoples of Mexico and Central America. The ruins of almost every
ancient city include a walled court for this sacred game. The ball court
were normally situated near temples. Basketball and other ball games developed
from this ancient American sport. The ball used was small but extremely
heavy because it was made of solid rubber. The Aztecs thought its movements
during the ball game symbolised the sun's east-west journey across the
sky. The players were divided into two teams which fought for possession
of the ball. Although they wore leather gloves, the players were not allowed
to hit the ball with their hands or feet. They could use only their knees,
hips and elbows.
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