Abstract
The aim of this study is to investigate the reflections of the pitz game, which was a ball game played in the Central American region in ancient times, to the present day. A literature review was conducted. This ancient ball game was played under the name “pitz” among the Mayans and “õllamaliztli” among the Aztecs. This sport began to be played by the pre-Columbian people of Ancient Central America at least as early as 1650 BC, and it had a number of ritual connotations. It is considered a sport played by women and children, kings and even gods. The religious connotations of this game were also included in the Mayan creation myths. It was also played during sacrifice ceremonies. The ancient Central American sport, the rules of which are not known with certainty, is still played today in some parts of Guatemala and Mexico. Like other sports of the ancient period, it was practiced under religious influences and, according to some sources, it is thought to be fatal. This ball game varied across different periods and cultures, from a sport more like squash or tennis to something more like basketball. It may be the origin of today’s sports such as volleyball or racquetball. Games can serve to resolve conflicts between people and connect them to their cultural past.
Keywords
Ball game, pitz, ollamalitzli, Central America, ancient times.
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