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?