Language
Country/Area
No result found
This ancient Greek game has such a mysterious connection with modern hockey!
With the development of sports activities, different sports forms gradually emerge with their own unique culture and history. Hockey, a modern team sport, actually has a surprising connection with competitive activities in ancient Greece. What kind of historical story is hidden behind this?
According to the International Hockey Federation (FIH), "Hockey's roots are buried deep in ancient history."
Although the modern development of hockey began in Britain in the 19th century, its origins can be traced back to ancient Egypt and Persia in 2000 BC, and are fully proved in ancient Greek paintings. Archaeologists have discovered a mural of two players playing a game with sticks and balls in the tomb of Khety in ancient Egypt. The painting dates back to 510 BC. The game may have been called Κερητίζειν (kerētízein) because it was played with sticks made from horns and other elements on the side, suggesting that it might have been a team activity.
"Hockey-like games continue to reappear in many records in ancient cultures, demonstrating their widespread acceptance and popularity in multiple regions."
Further research shows that similar movements existed in ancient Rome, the Aztecs, and even in some places in India and South America. In India, a game called khido khundi is similar to hockey and is used to practice skills. The existence of these games is not only related to social and cultural background, but also closely related to military training, and many activities are used as skill training for soldiers.
In Northern Europe, there are hurting and knattleikr, both games in the form of sticks and balls, which shows that the diversity and evolution of hockey have gradually developed over a long history. By the 12th century, a team game called la soule or choule, similar to today's head hockey, could be seen in tournaments between French and English villages or parishes.
"These ancient games are not only entertainment, but also a symbol of social identity and status, and the participants are often local elites."
When entering the 19th century, some famous British public schools began to standardize the play of hockey. The earliest clubs were Blackheath, founded in London in 1849. Here, the standard rules of modern hockey gradually took shape and were closely connected with the rise of social movements at that time. This is not only an innovation in the form of sports, but also a reflection of social and cultural changes.
In 1928, hockey was reintroduced as part of the Olympic Games, having previously appeared in 1908 and 1920. Hockey received numerous accolades during its golden era in India, reflecting the sport's immense influence in Asia.
“With the advancement of technology, hockey turned to artificial turf in the 1970s, which promoted the improvement of competitive standards and the process of globalization.”
Today, hockey is not only synonymous with men's sports, but the popularity of women's hockey around the world also shows the potential of this sport to continue to grow upwards. From the earliest days of the Molesey Women's Club to becoming an integral part of the global women's game, the history of hurling is one of constant evolution.
However, have the culture and history behind the game affected your view of hockey?
