Archaeologists discover ancient Mayan board game – here’s what it can teach modern educators

Abstract

Archaeologists have unearthed a stone scoreboard in Chichén Itzá, Mexico, shedding light on the Mayan civilization's ancient board game called Pok-a-Tok. The Mayan games held deep cultural and religious significance, reflecting the beliefs and values of the people. Winning such games was considered a sign of divine favor, while losing could result in human sacrifices. Mayan games fostered communal identity and connections between the physical, spiritual, and social realms. The concept of the "magic circle" in gaming, where players enter a temporary world with its own rules and boundaries, can be applied to modern education to promote inclusion, collaboration, and the development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills. By incorporating ancient and modern games, educators can create inclusive learning environments that cater to diverse student needs.