What sports did Aztecs play?

Sports in Ancient Aztec Culture

In ancient Mesoamerican culture, sports served as a recreational activity that was both integral and necessary for everyday life. The Aztecs were no different; they engaged in a variety of physical activities and played various sports to stay fit, keep their skills sharp and even as a form of entertainment. From ball games to wrestling, the Aztecs were no strangers to sports. Let’s take a look at what sports the Aztecs played in their day-to-day lives.

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1. Ullamaliztli

Ullamaliztli was the most popular sport in the Aztec empire. It was a game played between two teams and was basically a combination of soccer and basketball. The game was played on a court that was divided into two halves. Each team had to pass a rubber ball through a stone ring placed at the center of the court. The team that scored the most points was the winner.

2. Tlachtli

Tlachtli was another popular game among the Aztecs. It was similar to Ullamaliztli, but instead of a rubber ball, the players used a solid rubber ball and the court was usually larger. The goal of the game was to pass the ball through a stone hoop that was placed high on the walls of the court. The team that scored the most points won the game.

3. Tlachco

Tlachco was a game played by two teams on a court that was divided into two halves. The goal of the game was to pass a rubber ball through a stone ring placed at the center of the court. The team that scored the most points was the winner.

4. Patolli

Patolli was a board game that was popular among the Aztecs. It was a game of strategy, and players had to move their pieces around the board in order to capture their opponent’s pieces. The game was played on a board that consisted of five horizontal and five vertical lines. The goal of the game was to capture all of your opponent’s pieces.

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5. Tlacuache

Tlacuache was a popular game among the Aztecs that involved throwing a rubber ball at an opponent. The goal was to hit the opponent with the ball. The game was typically played between two teams of four players, and the team that scored the most points was the winner.

6. Tlaxcalteca

Tlaxcalteca was a game that was similar to lacrosse. The game was typically played between two teams of four players. The goal of the game was to pass a rubber ball through a stone ring that was placed at either end of the court. The team that scored the most points was the winner.

7. Teocalli

Teocalli was a game that involved throwing a wooden ball at a goal that was placed at either end of the court. The game was typically played between two teams of four players. The team that scored the most points was the winner.

8. Pelota Purépecha

Pelota Purépecha was a game that was similar to volleyball. The game was typically played between two teams of four players. The goal of the game was to pass a rubber ball over a net that was placed at either end of the court. The team that scored the most points was the winner.

9. Atlatl

Atlatl was a game that involved throwing a spear at a target. The game was typically played between two teams of four players. The goal of the game was to hit the target with the spear. The team that scored the most points was the winner.

10. Tlalchiyolotl

Tlalchiyolotl was a game that was similar to modern-day tug-of-war. The game was typically played between two teams of four players. The goal of the game was to pull the other team across a line. The team that pulled the other team across the line first was the winner.

Conclusion

The Aztecs were no strangers to sports. From team sports like Ullamaliztli and Tlachtli to individual games like Atlatl and Tlalchiyolotl, there was no shortage of sports for the Aztecs to participate in. These sports were not only a way to stay physically fit, but they also served as a form of entertainment and recreation for the Aztecs.