The monster ballcourt of the Itzas Location: Chichen Itza archeological site, Yucatan, Mexico Year: 2005 Merckslides catalogue number: 20(07)-22423 Comments:

Ballcourt freize depicting decapitation of player Location: Chichen Itza archeological site, Yucatan, Mexico Year: 2005 Merckslides catalogue number: 20(07)-22422 Comments: This was repeated at six locations around the court. Folklore about the association of the ballgame and human sacrifice is abundant but compelling information isn't. Some hold that the losing team was sacrificed, some that it was the "winners." My opinion: there had to have been a simple logistical need to retain trained ballplayers and these freizes only show one person losing his head. Maybe only the captains played for their lives.

The winner Location: Chichen Itza archeological site, Yucatan, Mexico Year: 2005 Merckslides catalogue number: 20(07)-22422 Comments:

The loser Location: Chichen Itza archeological site, Yucatan, Mexico Year: 2005 Merckslides catalogue number: 20(07)-22422 Comments:

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