Gran Juego de Pelota

The Gran Juego de Pelota at Chichen Itza is the largest ancient Maya ball court, measuring over 500 feet long. It’s a stunning example of Mesoamerican architecture with high walls and stone rings. Visitors can imagine intense ritual games played with a rubber ball, often tied to cosmology and sacrifice. The acoustics are impressive, amplifying sounds dramatically. A must-see for anyone interested in history and archaeology—truly captivating!

The great ballcourt in Chichen Itza is an impressive ruin that was once among the largest ballcourts in Mesoamerica. Our guide explained that the ritualistic game of Pok Ta’ Pok played here involved 2 teams competing to move a heavy rubber ball in the air into a stone hoop over 20 ft on the wall. This was a spectacular for the populace and way for the rulers to control power. The stone inscriptions detailed how the captain of one team (likely the losing team) was ceremoniously honourably sacrificed to the gods at the end of the match. Shocking!

Incredibly magical! There are no words to describe how incredibly beautiful this place is. Please use lots of sunscreen because the sun can be harsh on your skin. Apart from that, you'll have a great educational time and learn a lot about the importance of this game to the Mayan culture.

We had a tour guide so it was an amazing education about ancient Mayans, and a beautiful historical site. We were there on the spring equinox so it was a mob scene, but very cool to be there on that day.

My visit to Chichen Itzá was truly an unforgettable experience that left me in awe of the ancient wonders of the Mayan civilization. The tour provided a wealth of information that enriched my understanding of this historical site, which is rightfully recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. The sights at Chichen Itzá were nothing short of breathtaking, with each structure revealing the architectural ingenuity and cultural significance of the Mayan people. The intricate carvings, towering pyramids, and expansive plazas painted a vivid picture of a civilization that thrived centuries ago. One of the most impressive features of Chichen Itzá is the Temple of Kukulcán, also known as El Castillo. This iconic pyramid showcases the Mayans' advanced knowledge of astronomy and mathematics, as demonstrated by its alignment with the sun's movements during the equinoxes. The sight of the serpent-like shadow descending the steps is a testament to the Mayans' mastery of architectural precision and celestial observation. While exploring the site, I was struck by the sheer magnitude and beauty of the Mayan temples, each offering a glimpse into a world steeped in myth, ritual, and spiritual devotion. The Great Ball Court, the Temple of the Warriors, and the Observatory stood as remarkable testaments to the Mayans' architectural prowess and cultural sophistication. It's worth noting that the Mayan civilization is distinct from the Aztec civilization, with each leaving behind a unique legacy of art, architecture, and knowledge. The Mayans, who inhabited the Yucatán Peninsula and surrounding regions, crafted intricate temples and monuments that continue to captivate visitors with their grandeur and symbolism. In conclusion, my visit to Chichen Itzá was a mesmerizing journey through time, where the wonders of the Mayan civilization unfolded before my eyes. The combination of stunning architecture, rich history, and expertly guided tours made this experience truly unforgettable. Chichen Itzá stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Mayan people and their extraordinary achievements in art, science, and culture.

Both ends of the court (headers) are closed with platforms on which lemoles were out the arcest or them is artne south, its pillars supported a roof, possibly for protecting from the sun people with high social hierarchy, who watched the show. on the ooooSite Sice, tne North emole or emole or thei Bearded Man owes its name to a relief of a bearded character. Due to its size, it's likely that its purpose was to hold a very important character o that inside rituals could have taken place before or after the matches. 'There are two high walls with sidewalks decorated with rehers, uniting the court

Awesome ball arena. Ome crazy sport for the Mayans.

This is another section within the big Chichen-Itzá archeological area in Yucatan Mexico. Ball game was very popular in the Mayan culture. It was a big honor to be the winner and be a sacrifice for the gods. The walls for the game are very wide and tall Wondering how well trained needed to be all the players for this game. 🏀