Archaeologists studying the Maya Belize region have identified a large network of ancient ballcourts, including many previously unknown structures, offering new insights into how Maya communities organized public life, ceremonies and political activity.
The discoveries come from a study published in Latin American Antiquity and led by Mara De Gregori. Researchers used airborne lidar technology to examine a large area in northwestern Belize. The survey revealed dozens of ballcourts across the southeastern Three Rivers region, dramatically expanding what archaeologists know about the distribution of these important ceremonial spaces.
Ballcourts were among the most recognizable features of ancient Maya cities. The ballgame was more than a sport. It combined ritual, politics and public gatherings, making it a central part of Maya society. Archaeologists have long viewed ballcourts as places where communities came together and where leaders displayed power and reinforced social ties.
Lidar uncovers hidden architecture
Before the recent lidar survey, only a handful of ballcourts had been documented in the southeastern Three Rivers region. The new research identified many additional examples, increasing the known total to 26 ballcourts. The findings suggest the area was far more interconnected and active than previously believed.
Lidar, which uses laser pulses to map landscapes beneath dense vegetation, allowed researchers to detect architectural features hidden under forest cover. The technology has transformed Maya archaeology in recent years by revealing roads, buildings and entire settlements that were previously invisible from the ground.
Ballcourts served as public gathering spaces
The study found that most of the newly documented ballcourts were located within civic and ceremonial centers. Many were positioned near plazas, processional routes and other public spaces, indicating that they played a major role in community events and religious activities.
A new lidar survey in Belize has uncovered a much larger network of Maya ballcourts than previously known, including many identified for the first time. pic.twitter.com/7BlkESLcRS
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) June 2, 2026
Researchers found that 19 of the 26 ballcourts followed an open-ended design, making it the most common architectural style in the region. Most were also freestanding structures rather than being attached to larger buildings. These patterns suggest that local builders followed widely shared Maya architectural traditions while adapting them to local needs.
The survey also uncovered evidence that some ballcourts were located outside major centers. Although rare, these rural examples indicate that ballgame-related activities extended beyond large urban settlements and may have reached smaller communities across the landscape.
Evidence points to ceremonies and feasting
Excavations at one site, Ayiin Winik, provided additional clues about how these spaces were used. Researchers found elevated phosphorus levels around the ballcourts, a sign often linked to food preparation and human activity.
Nearby deposits contained serving vessels, food-processing tools and ritual objects, including drum fragments and a serpentine celt. The evidence suggests that communal gatherings, feasting and ceremonies likely accompanied ballgame events and processions.
These findings support long-standing views that Maya ballcourts were not simply sports venues. They also functioned as important social and ceremonial centers where communities gathered for public events.
Regional patterns emerge
The study examined the size, layout and orientation of the structures. Most ballcourts were aligned roughly north to south, matching patterns seen across the Maya lowlands. Researchers believe this orientation reflects broader cultural traditions shared throughout the region.
The majority of the courts also displayed similar dimensions. Alley lengths generally ranged from about 10.5 to 20.5 meters, although a few larger examples stood out. Mound sizes were also relatively consistent across the region.
Local traditions shaped court design
Researchers compared the southeastern Three Rivers ballcourts with examples from neighboring Maya regions, including the Belize River Valley and Holmul area.
The analysis revealed both similarities and differences. Alley lengths and mound dimensions were largely consistent across regions, suggesting common architectural standards. However, alley widths showed clearer regional variation.
Ballcourts in the southeastern Three Rivers region tended to have wider playing alleys than those in several neighboring areas. Researchers also found that only this region showed a strong relationship between alley length and width, indicating a more deliberate approach to proportional design.
According to the study, these results suggest that Maya communities followed a shared architectural blueprint while adapting certain features to local traditions and preferences.
The findings also demonstrate how lidar technology continues to reshape archaeological research. By revealing structures hidden beneath dense forests, the technology is helping researchers build a more complete picture of social, political and ceremonial life in the ancient Maya world.
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