Forever Ago Play ball! The first team sport
May 28, 2025
Ever wondered about the origins of team sports? Discover the ancient Mesoamerican ball game, a thrilling sport played for over 3,000 years! The hosts explore its cultural significance and share archaeological insights that reveal its impact on today's sports. Plus, they meet a modern player keeping the tradition alive. Engaging games and a quiz about playful items add fun to the mix, making this a delightful deep dive into sports history and community legacy.
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Armadillo Found in Closet
- Joy Dolo cleaned out her closet and found an armadillo that had been napping there.
- They discovered it was not a sports item but a native animal from Mexico with distinctive stripes and tail.
Mesoamerican Ballgame Diversity
- The Mesoamerican ballgame is actually a collection of related games played across Mesoamerica.
- Different versions had varied rules but were played on similar courts and shared cultural importance.
Ancient Ballgame Origins
- The oldest Mesoamerican ball court dates back to around 1650 B.C.
- It was built by the Mocaia people, who lived in dense rainforests favorable for farming and were possibly the first chocolate consumers.