Ancient Maya Ball Courts Held Ceremonial Significance, Study Reveals

Recent archaeological findings in Mexico uncover ritual uses of Maya ball courts, including offerings of medicinal and hallucinogenic plants.

Archaeologists found evidence of ceremonial offerings beneath a ballcourt in the ancient Maya city of Yaxnohcah, using environmental DNA analysis.
The offerings included plants with known religious and medicinal properties, such as hallucinogenic morning glory and chili peppers.
Researchers suggest these rituals were integral to the construction of ball courts, aimed at securing divine protection.
The study highlights the dual use of Maya ball courts for both recreational and sacred purposes.
The discovery adds to our understanding of the complex social and spiritual lives of the ancient Maya.