Before There Was Soccer

 I thought that this billboard in one of Mexico City's subway stations was interesting.

It says, "Before soccer existed, Mexico was already playing ball."

All of Mexico's pre-Hispanic civilizations, beginning with the Olmecs and continuing through the Mayas and Aztecs had a form of ballgame.  The Mayas called it "pok-ta-pok" and the Aztecs called it "tlachtli".  The exact rules of the game are not known, but it is known that it was played with a solid rubber ball.  Ball courts are found in archaeological sites throughout the country.  It is generally thought that the players kept the ball in motion by striking it with their hips.  Hands and feet were not allowed.  However, there is some archaeological evidence that players used wooden sticks or racquets in some cultures.  The ballgame was more than a sport; it was also a religious ritual.  In later civilizations the game even involved human sacrifice.