Crazy sports of the ancient world

[jw5]

Papa Holua​

Hawaiians were not just about surfing waves. They also dominated the volcanos with a wooden sled. Known as Hawaiian lava sledding, the sport involved riding down a course on a narrow sled.

 

[jw5]

Gladiatorial games​

The Romans loved to see gladiators fighting each other and fighting animals. These games often ended in death.

 

[BTSS]

Fucking spammer

 

[jw5]

Chariot races​

These were also pretty crazy. The Greeks introduced them in the Ancient Olympics in 680 BCE.

 

[jw5]

Venatio​

The Romans were somewhat obsessed with the whole "humans against animals" games. This one in particular was about the hunting and killing of wild animals.

 

[jw5]

Fisherman’s joust​

Water jousting on the Nile was a thing in ancient Egypt. And it didn't stop there. Later, the Greeks and Romans also adopted it.

 

[jw5]

Naumachia​

The Romans were really into big sports events. Naumachia involved filling a basin (similar to an arena) with water, and placing warships inside. They would then recreate naval battles for mass entertainment.

 

[jw5]

Knattleikr​

The Vikings used to play this game, which saw a revival among college student in the US. Similar to the Irish sport of hurling, it involves hitting a hard ball with a stick, and lots of physical contact, of course.

 

[jw5]

Bullfighting​

Bullfighting is still very popular in countries such as Spain and Mexico, but its origins date back centuries ago. Ancient Romans were huge fans of it.

 

[jw5]

Skinnleikr​

This Viking skin throwing game was simple. Bearskin would be tossed amongst players while a player in the middle tried to intercept it. It was usually played indoors, and there was a lot of shoving.

 

[jw5]

Cockfighting​

While illegal in many countries throughout the world, cockfighting is still allowed in some places. This blood sport goes back around 6,000 years.

 

[ginfreely]

View attachment 150327

Naumachia​

The Romans were really into big sports events. Naumachia involved filling a basin (similar to an arena) with water, and placing warships inside. They would then recreate naval battles for mass entertainment.

Wow very impressive!

 

[ginfreely]

Cuju​

Also known as Tsu Chu, this Chinese sport is the oldest predecessor of modern soccer. The game involves kicking a ball through an opening in a small net. Cuju goes back to circa 2,500 BCE.

Chinese ancient sport only got this one?

 

[karizma]

I’ve been reading about some crazy sports from the ancient world—like Roman chariot races or the Mayan ball game where losing could mean death. It’s wild how far we’ve come! These old games were dangerous but full of passion. Today, we still love the thrill—just in safer ways. I enjoy that feeling through 1xbet where the excitement of sports is always alive in a different form.