The Grand Ball Court at Chichen Itza

Illustration

Joshua J. Mark
by
published on 08 July 2012
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The Grand Ball Court at Chichen Itza Download Full Size Image

This photo shows a stone scoring hoop high on the wall of the Great Ball Court at Chichen Itza. The opposing team's hoop is directly across from the wall in this picture. Players of the game Pok-a-Tok (considered a precursor to the modern game of Ulama)had to get a rubber ball through this hoop without using their hands or feet (only the hip, knees, elbows, shoulders and wrists). If one considers the circumference of the hoop, and its height as compared to the tourists below, one may have some understanding of what an amazing feat it was to score a winning goal in Pok-a-Tok.

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About the Author

Joshua J. Mark
Joshua J. Mark is World History Encyclopedia's co-founder and Content Director. He was previously a professor at Marist College (NY) where he taught history, philosophy, literature, and writing. He has traveled extensively and lived in Greece and Germany.

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APA Style

Mark, J. J. (2012, July 08). The Grand Ball Court at Chichen Itza. World History Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/image/750/the-grand-ball-court-at-chichen-itza/

Chicago Style

Mark, Joshua J.. "The Grand Ball Court at Chichen Itza." World History Encyclopedia. Last modified July 08, 2012. https://www.worldhistory.org/image/750/the-grand-ball-court-at-chichen-itza/.

MLA Style

Mark, Joshua J.. "The Grand Ball Court at Chichen Itza." World History Encyclopedia. World History Encyclopedia, 08 Jul 2012, https://www.worldhistory.org/image/750/the-grand-ball-court-at-chichen-itza/. Web. 17 May 2025.

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