The Mesoamerican ballgame was an ancient sport played by various cultures in the region, including the Maya and Aztec. The game involved a rubber ball, which players would hit with their hips, forearms, or paddles, aiming to pass it through stone rings mounted on walls. It was played in large, open courts and had significant cultural and religious importance. The ballgame served not only as entertainment but also as a ritualistic event, often linked to themes of life, death, and the cosmos. Victories could lead to social prestige, while some games were played as part of human sacrifice rituals, highlighting its deep connection to Mesoamerican beliefs and society.