"a body capable of enduring all efforts, either of the racecourse or of bodily strength…" Aristotle, describing ATHLETES.
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This cave painting was believed to be the oldest depiction of sports that we know of, found in Libyan Desert section of the Sahara. Swimming is the desert? Not impossible. 10,000 years ago, the Libyan Desert probably wasn't a desert. It is thought to depict an early form of swimming, somewhere during the last Ice Age. It is a sandstone cave, or "abri," a shelter for people to live.
"Cave of Swimmers", circa 10,000 b.c. Wadi sura, Gilf Kebir, Eygpt
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This was an ancient Minoan fresco depicting to boxing boys. Each of them is naked except for the jewelry they are wearing and their gloves. This was a fresco painted by the Minoans on the island of Thera. Thera were destroyed by a volcanic eruption around 16th century B.C. but many of their paintings were preserved, including this one, found in a house. The artist depicts the two boys boxing very realistically, with the bodies curved to let the arms thrust forward.
"The Boxing Boys" 1550-1500 BC. National Museum, Athens.
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In the Ancient Greek Olympics, one of the popular competitions was the Pentathlon. This was comprised of discus, javelin, jumping, running and wrestling. To the Greeks, being an Olympic winner meant the body was capable of enduring all efforts. Therefore, many men tried their hand at the Olympics. This painting was painted onto a pot, and was a valuable item in Greece.
"trainer watching wrestlers" Date unknown. The University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, pennsylvania.
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Archery was a well-known sport in Ancient Egypt and was often recorded on plates in ancient temples. These plates are depicting royalty showing their skills of aiming and strength through an archery competition.
Archery competitions were common. In the 21st century BC King Amenhotep II boasted that he pierced the middle of a thick brass target with four arrows. He then set a prize for anyone who could do the same. He attracted many men, but no one could achieve his feat.
Archery competitions were common. In the 21st century BC King Amenhotep II boasted that he pierced the middle of a thick brass target with four arrows. He then set a prize for anyone who could do the same. He attracted many men, but no one could achieve his feat.