The presence of two ball courts in the ceremonial center of Tula is the biggest ace in the hand of the “Toltecs fled to Chichen Itza and established a regime there” camp of historians. Although the theory has never been able to be proved, the ball courts join the Chac-mool as examples of uncanny similarities between Tula and the Yucatan city. The ball court here is exactly the same size and design as the one at Chichen Itza, although it’s more ruined conditions mean you have to imagine the whooping warriors kicking balls through non-existent hoops and the feeling of terror of the “winners” who were often sacrificed to the gods.

Location:
The Archaeological Site, Tula De Allende, Mexico

Ruin

Relative price: Budget

Travel Skills: None

By Lisa Rodan

Created: 28 Apr 2009

Updated: 30 Apr 2009