The Mayans were an ancient civilization that inhibited Southern Mexico and Central America during the first millennium AD. One of the Mayan’s important city-states was Chichen Itza. It is claimed that Chichen Itza was built in position with the moon, sun, and stars. The city became an important site for social interaction around approximately 600 AD.
Chichen Itza is home to many famous temple structures. One of the most highly noted is the Great Ball Court. The Court stretches for 545 feet long and 225 feet wide, equipped with 20 feet high stone rings on its walls. It is very similar to a football field in which it is completely open to the sky. However, the northern, southern, and eastern sides all have a temple. Sloping benches on the sides of the court were used as boundaries to keep the ball in play during games. On these benches are carvings of victory celebrations.
Chichen Itza was used to hold ball games. A widely popular ball game was played with a rubber ball, and the players had to use their hips to keep the ball in air. Another game was trying to use the ball like a basketball to shoot it through the high stone rings. Points were awarded if a player got a ball through a stone ring or onto the opposing team’s side. According to ancient murals, it was believed that the losers were put to death. Other theories are that the winning team’s captain was sacrificed instead because he would be a great offering to the gods.
Another phenomenon at the Chichen Itza Great Ball Court is its acoustic properties. It is said that words softly whispered at one end of the court can be clearly heard from the other end. Also, a single clap will produce nine loud echoes. The most prominent temple in the Great Ball Court is the Temple of the Jaguars. The lower part of the temple has a sanctuary which leads directly to the main plaza. The entrance has a limestone jaguar in between its two pillars: thus, the name. The upper level has a stair banister carved in the shape of a serpent. It also holds a huge mural portraying the destruction of a Mayan village.
In conclusion, the Chichen Itza Great Ball Court is one of the most highly visited sites by tourists. With its amazing architecture, acoustic properties, and huge temples, it is a historic spectacle. The Mayans were a highly advanced civilization, and they showed that through their architecture. The Great Ball Court was not only used for games, but also for sacrifices to their holy gods.
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