The Mesoamerican ball game is the oldest known team sport in the world. It was practiced by ancient Pre-Columbian cultures of Central America and played almost a millennium before the establishment of the first Greek Olympic Games . A fast-paced, often brutal game tied in with religious ritual, contestants often lost their lives and human sacrifices were regular occurrences. From ancient times until the Spanish conquest in the 16 th century, the sport was not just a game but a major part of Meso

In the Aztec ball game, winning or losing could literally cost you your life. | The History Archives

Ball like the ancient Mayans with a game of Mesoamerican ballgame. No hands and no feet allowed in this sport — it's all about the hips. | Great Big Story