Tikal - Central Acropolis

Directly across from the North Acropolis, the Central Acropolis is the fourth series of structures that surround the Great Plaza. The series of small rooms and terraces are thought to be ceremonial areas and storage for ceremonial artifacts. An abundance of ancient graffiti covers the interior walls, depicting the gods and ancient events. Perhaps it was here, looking down on the Great Plaza, that certain nobility sat and viewed religious ceremony. It was also most likely the viewpoint for watching the games of the renowned ball courts. One of the ball courts is visible near the base of Temple I.

The ball courts were the settings of a unique game, similar to soccer, that involved a rubber ball, and two teams. Players were heavily padded on the thighs and shoulders. Unable to use hands or feet, they apparently moved the ball down the court, trying to put the ball through the marked goal. This rigorous game was not just for sport. Mayan depictions of the game, both in Tikal and throughout Mayan centers all over Middle-America, reveal that this was a bloodsport of sorts. Winners were rewarded with spoils from the nobles of society and the viewing audience. The losers weren't so lucky ‹ often they were sacrificed to the Gods. Temple I (Temple of the Great Jaguar), is a monument to the ruler Ah Cacau. Rising 145 feet in the air, it was built around 700 AD. During his rule, (late 7th century AD), Ah Cacau created many of the spectacular temples that exist in Tikal today. His burial chamber was discovered at the base of Temple I, and much has been learned from his tomb. Buried along with him were ornamental jade, intricately carved bone, and sting-ray spines that were used for religious blood-letting.