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Ancient Maya sanctified ballcourts: ritual finds in Mexico
By Steven Liang -April 29, 2024
In the same way that sports fans revere stadiums like Fenway Park or Wimbledon’s Centre Court, the ancient Maya held their ballcourts in high regard, places where the community gathered not just for entertainment but for significant ceremonial practices.
Recent findings by archaeologists from the University of Cincinnati have illuminated these ancient practices, particularly in the Maya city of Yaxnohcah in Mexico, where the intersection of ritual and sport came to life beneath the surfaces of these historic ballcourts.
The team, using innovative environmental DNA analysis techniques, discovered various plants beneath the plaza floors of a newly excavated ballcourt, revealing their role in ancient Maya rituals.
These plants were not just random flora; they had significant religious and medicinal roles, indicating their use in ceremonies likely aimed at invoking the protection of the gods during the construction of these communal spaces.
This practice, sometimes referred to as an “ensouling ritual,” was believed to bring blessings and protection to those who frequented these sites.
More:
https://knowridge.com/2024/04/ancient-maya-sanctified-ballcourts-ritual-finds-in-mexico/
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