There is a vast difference between the games and sports we played during our childhood and what kids play today. Comparing the 21st century to centuries earlier, the games and events were drastically unalike. Let’s take a look at some ancient sports played a long time back.
Here’s A Thread Of Ancient Sports Played In Different Corners Of The World
Taking to X, Wolf of X (@tradingMaxiSL) shared the fascinating list of sports that have been enjoyed by people worldwide. While some were played for joy, a few had religious meaning as well.
1. Naumachia
Ancient Sports That Sound Made Up But Aren’t
A Thread 🧵 👇
1. ‘ Naumachia’ , the Ancient Roman practice of filling a specialized coliseum basin full of water and forcing convicts to fight to the death in staged naval battles, complete with fully armed warships. pic.twitter.com/guMaBckXpZ
— Wolf of X (@tradingMaxiSL) July 9, 2024
This was a famous ancient Roman spectacle where a coliseum basin was filled with water. This was arranged for naval battles for convicts to fight.
2. Mesoamerican Ballgame
2. Mesoamerican ballgame combined soccer, tennis, and basketball, was played in giant stone arenas, had great social and ritual significance, and sometimes ended in human sacrifice. pic.twitter.com/lYkgVRCyXn
— Wolf of X (@tradingMaxiSL) July 9, 2024
Mostly played by pre-Columbian people of Ancient Mesoamerica, this sport was a combination of tennis, basketball, and soccer.
3. He’e Holua
3. He’e holua
In this dangerous sport, athletes use 12-foot papa holua sledges to race headfirst down steep courses, often exceeding 50 mph. In competitions, the goal is to slide as far as possible, with each competitor’s stopping point marked to determine the winner. pic.twitter.com/j3InzF480t
— Wolf of X (@tradingMaxiSL) July 9, 2024
Participants aim to slide the farthest distance using a 12-foot Papa Holua sledge. Just by gliding down, sledders often crossed speeds of 50 miles per hour.
Also read: From Paros To Chefchaouen, X User Shares A Thread Of The 25 Most Beautiful Streets Around The World
4. Ancient Sports Thread: Pelota Purépecha
4. Pelota purépecha, is an Indigenous Mexican sport similar to hockey. This game uses a flaming ball and can be played at night.pic.twitter.com/03tvYv2J7g
— Wolf of X (@tradingMaxiSL) July 9, 2024
Pelota Purépecha may resemble hockey but the striking difference is the flaming ball used to play the sport. It is also known as an indigenous Mexican sport.
5. Pankration
5. Pankration was an unarmed combat sport introduced into the Greek Olympic Games in 648 BC. The athletes used boxing and wrestling techniques but also others, such as kicking, holds, joint locks, and chokes on the ground, making it similar to modern mixed martial arts pic.twitter.com/bYHHbFi0SD
— Wolf of X (@tradingMaxiSL) July 9, 2024
Started long back, this sport was a part of the Greek Olympic games in 648 BC. This ancient Greek event included techniques of wrestling, kicking, boxing, and more such sports.
6. Camel Jumping
6. Camel jumping, an athletic and acrobatic sport, originated in Yemen’s deserts. Played only by the Zaraniq desert tribesmen, it began as an ancient challenge between two tribesmen.pic.twitter.com/XNQunm6MjB
— Wolf of X (@tradingMaxiSL) July 9, 2024
Not to mount on a camel but camel jumping is played by a player attempting to jump high to leap camels in a single bound. It started centuries back as a challenge between tribesmen.
7. Harpastum
7. Harpastum was a popular ball game played during the time of the Roman Empire. Teams had up to twelve players. Players tackled opponents, stole the ball, and brought it to their side to score, similar to rugby.pic.twitter.com/m22vDCzXun
— Wolf of X (@tradingMaxiSL) July 9, 2024
A lot like rugby, Harpastum was enjoyed by grabbing a ball and taking it to the mentioned side to score. It was majorly famous back during the Roman Empire.
8. Ancient Sports Thread: Venetian Bridge Wars
8. Venetian Bridge Wars
From 1421 to 1705, rival factions from different parts of Venice fought over control of the bridges in prearranged mass fights, attracting massive crowds of spectators. pic.twitter.com/Gf8G9fXoqL
— Wolf of X (@tradingMaxiSL) July 9, 2024
Huge crowds gathered in the playing areas to see mass fights among rivals from several places in Venice. It began in 1421 till 1705.
9. Pasuckuakohowog
10. Pasuckuakohowog is a Native American game similar to soccer
It was played on beaches or clearings with half-mile-wide goals set one mile apart. Up to 1,000 players participated. It was a dangerous game, often resulting in broken bones or other serious injuries. pic.twitter.com/RTaDjngBfq
— Wolf of X (@tradingMaxiSL) July 9, 2024
An interesting fact about Pasuckuakohowog is how a maximum of 1,000 players could participate at once. People played the sport by placing half-mile-wide goals about a mile apart.
10. Buzkashi
11. Buzkashi is the national sport of Afghanistan. It is a traditional sport in which horse-mounted players attempt to place a goat carcass in a goal.https://t.co/E0LVlqRE2x
— Wolf of X (@tradingMaxiSL) July 9, 2024
Buzkashi is Afghanistan’s national sport and participants on horseback try to grab a calf’s dead body and take it to a goal line.
11. Ancient Sports Thread: Exploding Hammers
12. The festival of exploding hammers in San Juan de la Vega, Mexico.pic.twitter.com/EPe4DECn94
— Wolf of X (@tradingMaxiSL) July 9, 2024
San Juan de la Vega witnesses a special Exploding Hammer Festival where people explode fireworks and explosives by pacing them on hammerheads. It is celebrated every year.
Also read: From The Netherlands To Switzerland, This Thread Of Scenic Places Across Different Seasons Is Dreamy
12. Chunkey
13. Chunkey is a Native American game where players throw sticks to land close to a rolling disc. Originating around 600 CE at Cahokia, it was popular among many Native Americans and is still played today. pic.twitter.com/41rSWpmZhW
— Wolf of X (@tradingMaxiSL) July 9, 2024
A famous sport among Native Americans, Chunkey is usually played by throwing sticks on the land. Players grab sticks and throw them on the ground near a rolling disc.
13. One Of The Ancient Sports
14. Pentecost Island is said to be the spiritual birthplace of one of the most extreme sports in the world. Youths build a bamboo tower often stretching up to 30 m, then dive down to the ground with feet tied to a tower by forest vinespic.twitter.com/fVmWVNdvag
— Wolf of X (@tradingMaxiSL) July 9, 2024
The last sport mentioned in this thread looks quite interesting and too adventurous. First, a bamboo tower of about 30 metres is built. Next, players climb on its top and dive straight to the ground. The catch is one of their feet remains tied to the tower.
Did you know about any of these sports played centuries back?
Cover Image Courtesy: X/ Wolf of X (@tradingMaxiSL)
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.