Chichen Itza:
A stone scoreboard used in an ancient soccer-like ball game has been discovered at the famed Mayan Chichen Itza archaeological site in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula.
- The circular piece, measuring just over 32 centimetres in diameter and weighing 40 kilograms displays hieroglyphic writing surrounding two players standing next to a ball that was discovered on this site.
- Chichen Itza was one of the greatest Mayan centres of the Yucatán peninsula.
- This city was established during the Classic period close to two natural cavities (cenotes or chenes), which gave the town its name.
- Mayan people ruled for over 1,000 years and left their mark on the city.
- It is thought to have been a religious, military, political, and commercial centre that at its peak would have been home to 35,000 people.
- It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988.