The History of the Mesoamerican Ball Game

Which civilization is credited with starting the ball game around 1500 B.C.?

• The Aztecs

• The Maya

• The Olmecs

• The Spanish

What was the approximate weight of the rubber ball used in the game?

• 2 pounds

• 10 pounds

• 25 pounds

• 50 pounds

Which body part was primarily used by players to hit the ball and keep it in play?

• The hands

• The feet

• The hips

• The head

What two ingredients were combined to create the rubbery latex for the ball?

• Tree bark and river water

• Tree sap and morning glory juice

• Latex and volcanic ash

• Rubber and animal fat

According to the passage, where is the largest and best-preserved ball court located?

• Arizona

• Nicaragua

• Chichén Itzá

• Guatemala City

What is the name of the modern, less violent version of the game still played today?

• Ulama

• Popol Vuh

• Latex

• Castilla

What did the Maya add to the ball court to provide extra scoring opportunities?

• A net

• A stone ring

• Wooden goals

• End zones

Why does the discovery of ball courts near the homes of Olmec chiefs suggest the game was for the upper class?

• Chiefs were the only ones who knew the rules.

• It suggests only the wealthy could afford to organize and host the games.

• Common people were forbidden from seeing the courts.

• The courts were used as palaces for the chiefs' families.

How did the Maya's religious beliefs, specifically from the Popol Vuh, influence the meaning of the game?

• The game was seen as a way to practice for war.

• The game was believed to be a battle between humans and the underworld.

• The game was played to celebrate the discovery of rubber.

• The game was used to choose new religious leaders.

In what way did the Maya use the ball game as a political tool?

• To decide which families would become royalty.

• To settle territory disputes instead of going to war.

• To trade goods with the Spanish explorers.

• To determine the price of rubber balls.