Sport in the Ancient Wolrd

Ancient Greek sport "usually consisted of warrior sports such as chariot racing, wrestling and boxing, javelin and discus throwing, foot racing, archery, and long jumping" (Coakley 58).  These sports were usually in conjunction with mythology and religion.  According to the video, racing was the first sport and was held every four years consistently.  Like sport today, foot racing had rules. For example, a  false start would call for a beating by the judges in front of the entire crowd.  This was one of the highest shames for a free man.  An interesting aspect of this sport is that only men were allowed to watch and only men participated.  Both required money.  The only woman allowed was Zeus's sister and the men who won were automatically a sort of sex-symbol.  While men are still predominate in sport today, women in sport often have to sell themselves as a sex-symbol so as not to be seen as masculine. 

Ancient Rome sport consisted mainly of gladiatorial combat and chariot races.  These physical contests and games were used by Roman leaders to train soldiers.  The practicality of the game was a large reason for the sport.  These games were highly entertaining and spectators would often place bets.  When the spectators got bored, "the emperors passed around free food and tickets for prizes to prevent outbreaks of violence" (Coakley 59).