Wednesday, January 29, 2014

Sport in the Ancient World


Sports in the ancient world consisted of activities like discus, boxing, wrestling, and caged events involving animals or other human beings. These early sports considered winners to be similar to gods, therefore granting them fame, fortune, and an increased status in the community. The sports were an outlet for society’s urges, demonstrated in a ‘humane’ and ‘honorable’ manner. Though the events would be considered barbaric by modern standards, they were the embodiment of discipline and masculinity. Rewards were social, political, and financial. Men were the only participants in such games as women were forbidden to take part. In some cultures, winning could be the key to freedom and in others is was the ideal display of skill and strategy.

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