Quizsided

World’s Top 5 Ancient Sports

Since the beginning of time, sports have been part of our lives, whether we participate or revel in those who do them well. It may have origins in the early days of military training when contests were held to determine if recruits were physically fit and ready for duty. Even though it was originally done to amuse and entertain people, many sportsmen worldwide have made it their full-time profession. The most surprising fact for many sports lovers is that many of the oldest games are still practiced today. Here, we have compiled a list of some of the oldest sports in the world.

Jaime Munguia v John Ryder
Jaime Munguia v John Ryder / Christian Petersen/GettyImages

1. Boxing

This may not come as a surprise since conflict is part of human nature. What do people who argue end up doing sometimes? Throwing punches, of course! In the modern era, boxing has a long and distinguished history. Nevertheless, there is historical evidence of fist fighting from the second and third centuries BC; it is believed that boxing with the use of hand protection was exercised between 900 and 1500 BC. Punches are used in this combat sport to test the competitors' strength, quickness, and stamina. It was invented in Greece in 687 BC, traveled to ancient Rome, then arrived in Great Britain during the 16th and 18th century where it transformed into professional sports.

2. Swimming

Swimming is not just a sport but also a terrific way to stay in shape and a way of surviving in the old times. Aside from the activity being a way to escape enemies, it was also a skill used to hunt for food. The Cave of Swimmers, located in the Libyan desert on the Gilf Kebir plateau, contains some of the earliest known depictions of people swimming. According to Archaeologists, these pictures from the past show people performing the breaststroke or dog paddle. Although swimming didn't really become a competitive sport until the 19th century, it's thought that England was among the first nations to treat it as one. In 1896, this activity was finally added to the Olympics; however, originally, only men could participate.

3. Archery

Because of its usefulness for hunting and its representation in the mythologies of many different civilizations, archery played an integral part in early human history. The remains of stone and bone arrowheads with an estimated age of 72,000 to 60,000 years have been found in South African sites like Sibudu Cave; they are undeniably the earliest known examples of the bow and arrow. We associate the weapon with mythological characters like Cupid and Achilles, whose demise was caused by an arrow shot at his heel. There is also evidence that the ancient Egyptians used archery for both hunting and combat.

4. Wrestling

Some would argue that wrestling is the oldest sport in the world, and they have evidence to support their claim—the world-famous cave paintings in Lascaux, France. Additionally, the form of combat that uses grappling and tussling was clearly one of the most popular sports of its era. A papyrus fragment with wrestling instructions, dated between 100 and 200 AD and discovered in Japan, is only one example. As a sport, it was frequently used to rank men in terms of physical prowess. Although it has evolved through time, it was part of the initial Olympic games held between 800 and 1200 BC. During the 1830s, Paris, France, was the birthplace of professional wrestling and the first wrestling circuit.

5. Running/Sprinting

It should not be surprising that running or sprinting holds the number one position on many lists. After crawling and walking, it's the next activity that a young child learns. Persistent hunting of animals, in which a target is pursued until it is too exhausted to flee and passes away from "chase myopathy," is likely responsible for the evolution of endurance running in early humans. When the Greeks institutionalized running as a sport, it transformed the culture. Additionally, it has its origins in 776 BC, with the first recorded Olympic Games held in Greece. Back then, there were just four major events, in stark contrast to the thousands that take place in competitions today. 

Taking part in sports helps us stay alert and physically fit, and it can also improve ties between people of different nations and backgrounds. With that said, it is important that we read up about sports and not only perform them. It's good to know where our favorite activities came from, such as the ones listed above that have supporting evidence that attests to their longevity. As to the first sport ever invented, that remains a mystery that has yet to be solved.