Newsweek: Ancient Maya ballcourt may have been blessed
Researchers said the ancient Maya likely made a ceremonial offering during the ballcourt’s construction.
UC's team partnered with Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History in collaboration with researchers from the University of Calgary, the Autonomous University of Campeche and the National Autonomous University of Mexico.
Their findings could provide clues about the ritual life of the ancient Maya.
UC Professor Emeritus Nicholas Dunning collected a sample of sediment at the base of a sidewall. Here, in a place known as the Helena complex, researchers believe stood a civic ceremonial platform consisting of 1-meter-high stone and earth.
An environmental DNA analysis identified plants associated with ancient Maya medicine used in divination rituals such as a morning glory called xtabentun and chile peppers.
“I think the fact that these four plants which have a known cultural importance to the Maya were found in a concentrated sample tells us it was an intentional and purposeful collection under this platform,” UC botanist and study co-author Eric Tepe said.
Featured image at top: UC Professor David Lentz poses in front of a temple in the ancient Maya city of Tikal. Photo/Liwy Grazioso Sierra
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