The Glory, Gory Game of Mayan Ball

The Glory, Gory Game of Mayan Ball

Constant Wonder

Ancient City Life in the Americas (originally aired July 10, 2020)

Episode: Ancient City Life in the Americas (originally aired July 10, 2020)

  • Nov 9, 2020 7:36 pm
  • 20:07 mins

Guest: Stephen Houston, Chair, Department of Anthropology, Dupee Family Professor of Social Sciences, Brown University This Mesoamerican ball game combined decapitation, communion with the dead, and worship of the gods. Misconception and mystery still surround the game, but Professor Houston of Brown University weighs in on the rules, history, and deep cultural implications of the sport.