Current:Home > NewsAncient scoreboard used during Mayan ball game discovered by archaeologists-InfoLens
Ancient scoreboard used during Mayan ball game discovered by archaeologists
View Date:2024-12-23 11:15:20
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! (496)
Related
- Taylor Swift's Dad Scott Swift Photobombs Couples Pic With Travis Kelce
- Kenyan police say psychopathic serial killer arrested after women's remains found in dump
- The Best Amazon Prime Day 2024 Alternative Sales: 60% Off Wayfair, 50% Off Old Navy, 20% Off MAC & More
- Top 55 Deals on Summer Beauty Staples for Prime Day 2024: Solve the Heatwave Woes with Goop, COSRX & More
- Tennessee suspect in dozens of rapes is convicted of producing images of child sex abuse
- Police officer encountered Trump shooter on roof before rampage, report says
- A popular tour guide’s death leads to more scrutiny of border issues
- Richard Simmons’ Cause of Death Under Investigation
- What is prize money for NBA Cup in-season tournament? Players get boost in 2024
- North Carolina approves party seeking to put RFK Jr. on the ballot, rejects effort for Cornel West
Ranking
- Taking stock of bonds: Does the 60/40 rule still have a role in retirement savings?
- Prime Day 2024: Save On These 41 Beauty Products Rarely Go on Sale- Tatcha, Color Wow, Laneige & More
- 2024 MLB Home Run Derby highlights: Teoscar Hernández becomes first Dodgers champion
- Detroit-area county to pay $7 million to family of man killed while jailed for drunken driving
- Jimmy Kimmel, more late-night hosts 'shocked' by Trump Cabinet picks: 'Goblins and weirdos'
- See full RNC roll call of states vote results for the 2024 Republican nomination
- Police announce Copa America arrest totals after fans stampede, breach security
- Trump expected to announce his VP running mate today as RNC gets underway
Recommendation
-
Mike Tyson has lived a wild life. These 10 big moments have defined his career
-
Ryan Reynolds Honors Charming 10-Year-Old TikToker Bella Brave After Her Death
-
Amazon's Prime Day Deals on Amazon Devices: Fire Sticks for $24, Fire Tablets for $74 & More
-
Small plane crashes into river on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, officials say
-
Suicides in the US military increased in 2023, continuing a long-term trend
-
Barstool owner rescued by Coast Guard after losing control of boat off Nantucket
-
Carbon monoxide leak at Fulton County jail sends 1 worker to the hospital; requires treatment for 5
-
BMW, Chrysler, Honda among 437K vehicles recalled: Check car recalls here