A stone phonograph recording depicting anancient Mayaball biz has been unearthed at the iconic internet site of Chichén Itzá in southerly Mexico . Known simply as ‘ pelota ’ ( ‘ ballock ’ ) , the sport is believe to have played a substantial role in the societal and political life of theMaya Empire , and archaeologist think the artefact may commemorate a mates that was encounter more than 1,100 years ago .

The piece has been named the Disk of the Pelota Players and is engraved with the image of two figure wearing traditional pelota outfit , surrounded by a band of glyphic text . Within the inscription , researchers obtain a reference work to a date in the Maya calendar which equates to the yr 894 CE .

measure 32.5 centimeters ( 12.8 inches ) in diameter and press 40 kilograms ( 88.2 pound ) , the artifact was discover within a structure call the Casa Colorada ( Colorful House ) . Named in honour of its ruby - painted Interior , the complex – also known as Chichanchob – boast its own pelota homage .

“ It ’s rare to find hieroglyphic writing at this site , and even rare to find a complete text , ” said archaeologist Francisco Pérez Ruiz in astatementreleased by Mexico ’s National Institute of Anthropology and History ( INAH ) . “ It ’s been 11 year since that happened . ”

Based on the escort observe in the inscription , the disk likely dates back to the Terminal Classic or Early Postclassic Maya flow . According to Pérez Ruiz , the piece credibly marked an important event regarding a pelota match that accept position at the Casa Colorada at this fourth dimension .

line the engraved range , archaeologist Santiago Alberto Sobrino Fernández explained that “ the character on the left hand is tire out a feathered headgear and a sash that features a flower - shaped chemical element , likely a body of water lily . In agate line with the typeface is a scroll , which may be interpret as breathing spell or voice .

“ The opposing role player fatigue a headgear known as a ‘ snake pillbox ’ , which has been insure represented legion times atChichén Itzá . The someone wears protective clothing for playing pelota . ”

The identity element of the players commemorated on the disk remain unidentified , as does the effect of the match – although further interpretation of the inscription may reveal both the nature of the contest and the final score .

Chichén Itzá is located in the Yucatan Peninsula and was one of the great Maya cities . The site features a central pelota courtyard which is importantly bigger than that at the Casa Colorada , and is conceive to have hosted countless catch during its heyday .

Pelota was typically played with a gum elastic Lucille Ball that players prompt using their hip , elbow , or human knee . Researchers conceive the game carry a symbolic meaning , and previous study have indicated that some pelota ball even contain theashes of bushed Mayan rulers .