Final answer:
The Aztec ball game was called ullamaliztli and was played on a tlachtli court, a significant ritual in Mesoamerican culture featuring a heavy rubber ball and associated with human sacrifice in some cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The name of the famous Aztec ball game is ullamaliztli, and it was played on a tlachtli court, which is also known as a ballcourt. This ball game was a crucial ritual in Mesoamerican culture. It is believed to have originated with the Olmecs and continued to be played by subsequent civilizations like the Maya and Aztecs. The players had to keep a solid rubber ball in motion using their hips, elbows, or knees, and the aim was frequently to pass the ball through stone rings fixed high on the walls of the I-shaped ballcourt. Players wore protective padding due to the weight and hardness of the ball, which could cause injury. The game carried serious implications, including the possibility of human sacrifice for the losers in some contexts. Today, a version of this game known as Ulama is still played in Mexico, showcasing the enduring legacy of this ancient sport.