The Aztecs called it ullamaliztli,
but the game is older than the Aztecs. Adopted by the Mayans and likely pioneered by the Olmec, today’s historians, in a stroke of un-inspiration, call it the
Mesoamerican Ball Game. The game was a blood sport: a brutal contest where two
teams kept a ten-pound rubber ball in play with only their hips and elbows (or,
if they were lucky, a wooden racket). Sportsmen would suffer such heavy bruises
that many, according to Spanish explorers, had to have said bruises drained to prevent infection. (Wikipedia, 2013) Plays within single games could last hours, and in later incarnations the game only ended when one team
hit the ball through a narrow stone ring on the opposite end of the court. (Aztec-History.com, 2012)
Showing posts with label mesoamerican ball game. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mesoamerican ball game. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Monday, April 8, 2013
Monday Links: Mesoamerican Ball Games, Kids Liking Veggies, and Meditations on Space Travel
I found this site while doing research on the ball games played by the Aztecs, Mayans and other Mesoamerican civilizations. It seems to be someone's personal site, so I'm not sure I'd consider it the final authority on anything, but it gathers a fair amount of interesting material on the Aztecs in one place, as well as the ball game itself. I already noted in a tweet that the (vaguely understood) rules of the game resemble Quiddich from J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter books. I smell a plot, but it might just be some interview I missed revealing the whole scheme.
On The Pump Handle at Scienceblogs, Kim Krisberg has an article on a study by the USDA on its Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. The study indicates that in schools that provide fresh produce outside of mealtimes, children eat more fruits and vegetables and report more of a taste for such foods. Their total calorie intake remains the same, but nonetheless it is a pleasant surprise.
Finally, Ethan Siegel meditates on how far we've come as a species, and the way forward in the millennia to come. It's a heartfelt and moving piece, and I recommend you read it.
On The Pump Handle at Scienceblogs, Kim Krisberg has an article on a study by the USDA on its Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. The study indicates that in schools that provide fresh produce outside of mealtimes, children eat more fruits and vegetables and report more of a taste for such foods. Their total calorie intake remains the same, but nonetheless it is a pleasant surprise.
Finally, Ethan Siegel meditates on how far we've come as a species, and the way forward in the millennia to come. It's a heartfelt and moving piece, and I recommend you read it.
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