Current:Home > NewsAncient scoreboard used during Mayan ball game discovered by archaeologists -Ascend Finance Compass
Ancient scoreboard used during Mayan ball game discovered by archaeologists
View
Date:2025-04-14 13:04:59
Archeologists have found an ancient scoreboard used by Mayans during a ball game. The stone disk was found at Chichén Itzá, an iconic ancient city in Yucutan, Mexico, and dates back to the late 800s or early 900 A.D.
Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History says the scoreboard is about 12.7 inches in diameter and weighs about 108 pounds. Two players standing with a ball are carved into the center, and text is carved around the center.
It was found during an archaeological did in the Casa Colorado, or "red house" of Chichén Itzá, by Lizbeth Beatriz Mendicuti Pérez. The dig was coordinated by archaeologists Francisco Pérez Ruiz and José Osorio León.
"In this Mayan site it is rare to find hieroglyphic writing, let alone a complete text; It hasn't happened for more than 11 years," Pérez said in a statement, adding the scoreboard was probably used in a game similar to Casa Colorada.
The scoreboard appears to have fallen off an arch when the structure collapsed, archaeologist Mendicuti Pérez said.
One of the characters etched into the stone wears a feathered headdress and a sash that appears to show a flower, believed to be a water lily. He is depicted as talking or breathing. His opponent wears a "snake turban," which is seen on many characters in Chichén Itzá.
The date on the disc is 12 Eb 10 Cumku on the Mayan calendar – believed to be around 894 A.D.
Chichén Itzá is a sacred site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, meaning it is a significant site protected by the UN. It was the capital of the Yucatan peninsula until 1200 AD. C. and its most iconic structure, El Castillo, is known for lining up with the sun, demonstrating the advanced architectural knowledge of the Mayans who built the city, according to INAH.
- In:
- Mexico
Caitlin O'Kane is a digital content producer covering trending stories for CBS News and its good news brand, The Uplift.
veryGood! (72772)
Related
- The Super Bowl could end in a 'three
- Inter Miami beats out Super Bowl, Stanley Cup, World Series champs for sports business award
- Norfolk Southern will pay modest $15 million fine as part of federal settlement over Ohio derailment
- Two rescued after car plunges 300 feet off Arizona cliff, leaving passenger 'trapped upside down'
- Biden administration makes final diplomatic push for stability across a turbulent Mideast
- Woman jogger killed by naked man rampaging through Swiss park
- The Extravagant Way Cher and Boyfriend Alexander Edwards Celebrated Her 78th Birthday
- Live Nation, Ticketmaster face antitrust lawsuit from DOJ. Will ticket prices finally drop?
- EU countries double down on a halt to Syrian asylum claims but will not yet send people back
- Michael Richards opens up about private prostate cancer battle in 2018
Ranking
- Former longtime South Carolina congressman John Spratt dies at 82
- NFL legend Warrick Dunn's housing program changes lives of single parents
- Andy Reid shows he's clueless about misogyny with his reaction to Harrison Butker speech
- Those who helped file voting fraud allegations are protected from suit, North Carolina justices say
- SFO's new sensory room helps neurodivergent travelers fight flying jitters
- Isla Fisher Seen Filming New Bridget Jones Movie Months After Announcing Sacha Baron Cohen Split
- General Sherman passes health check but world’s largest trees face growing climate threats
- Greek yogurt is now more popular in the U.S. than regular yogurt. Is that a good thing?
Recommendation
$73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
Louisiana Legislature approves bill classifying abortion pills as controlled dangerous substances
Get Summer-Ready with These Old Navy Memorial Day Sales – Tennis Dresses, Shorts & More, Starting at $4
To make it to the 'Survivor' finale, Charlie Davis says being a Swiftie was make or break
Taylor Swift Eras Archive site launches on singer's 35th birthday. What is it?
A look at the White House state dinner for Kenya's president in photos
Beach vibes, mocktails and wave sounds: Target to try 'immersive' summer spaces in stores
Navajo Nation approves proposed settlement to secure Colorado River water