Physical education and sport in Rome

 

While the Hellenes were setting in the Grecian peninsula about 200 BC, another Indo-European people was migrating to Italy and settling in the central and southern parts of this country. One of these wandering tribes, known then as Latins, settled near the Tiber River, a settlement that later became known as Rome. The Romans were to have a decided effect not only on the objectives of physical education and sport in their own state but also on those of the Greek world, which the conquered.

The Romans, through their great leaders and well-disciplined army, extended their influence throughout most of the Mediterranean area and all of Europe. This success on the battlefield brought influence into Roman life that affected Roman ideals. They were not truly interested in the cultural aspects of life, although often some of the finer aspects of Hellenic culture were taken on as a means of show. Particularly during the latter days of the Roman Empire, wealth became the objective of most citizens, and vulgar displays became the essence of wealth. Luxury, corruption, extravagance, and vice became commonplace.

After the conquest of Greece, Greek gymnastics were introduced to the Romans, but they were never well received. The Romans lacked the drive for clean competition. They did not believe in developing the “body beautiful”. They did not like nakedness of performers; they preferred to be spectators rather than participants; they preferred professionalism to amateurism.

Athletic sports were not conducted on the same high level as in ancient Athenian Greece. The Romans wanted something exciting, bloody, ghastly, and sensational. At the chariot races and gladiatorial combats, excitement ran high. Men were pitted against wild animals or against one another and fought until death to satisfy the spectators’ cravings for excitement and brutality. The rewards and incomes of some individuals who engaged in the chariot races were enormous.

 

4.1. Listen to the text “Physical Education and Sport in Rome” and answer the

questions.

 

1. Did the Latins settle near the Tiber River or in the Grecian peninsula? 2. Did the Romans extend their influence throughout the Mediterranean area and Europe? 3. Were they truly interested in cultural aspects of life? 4. How did the average Roman consider physical education and sport? 5. What aspects of Greek concept to physical education and sport did the Romans reject? 6. What kind of shows did the Romans like?

 

 

4.3. Tell about physical activities in ancient Rome.

 

V. Retell the oral topic:

 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORT IN ANCIENT GREECE   A “golden age” of physical education and sport refers to ancient Greece. The Greeks strove for physical perfection and this objective affected all their life. No country in history has been held physical education and sport in such high esteem as did ancient Greece. There are different evidences about physical activity being popular: both artifacts and literature. Physical education and sport was a vital part of every Greek man and began in childhood. “Exercise for the body and music for the soul” they said. The boys began with a general physical training program. It was believed that exercising contributed to courage, discipline and wellbeing. Besides it stressed a sense of fair play, developed aesthetic values and amateurism. They ran, wrestled, jumped, danced etc., not for reward but to make the body beautiful. They were against professionalism. An ideal of education in ancient Greece was to achieve a balance in moral, mental, physical and aesthetic development. The national festivals were held in honour of some heroes or deities and involved physical prowess events. The most famous Olympia festival in honour of Zeus, the supreme god gave the name to the modern Olympic Games. Athletic contests were the main attraction and drawing force there. A truce was declared during the games. To be crowned a victor in an Olympic event was to receive the highest honour in Greece. Physical education and sport in ancient Greece will always be viewed with pride by members of this profession.

 

UNIT XIV

 

SELF-ASSESSMENT TEST # 5

 

These tasks are designed to assist you in determining if you have mastered the materials and competencies presented in the above studied information.

 

1. Conduct an evaluation of Athenian Greek physical education and sport. As a result of this evaluation identify the contributions that can be directly traced to the Athenian Greeks. Be specific in your answers.

 

2. Discus the influence of the various schools of philosophy on the growth of physical education and sport. Additionally, describe events and philosophies that served as catalysts for the growth of physical education and sport and events and philosophies that served as deterrents to the growth of physical education and sport.

 

3. Your professor has requested that you supply evidence to show substantial interest in sport, health, and fitness among various segments of the population. Cite evidence of this interest and the implications of such interest for individuals seeking careers in physical education and sport.

 

4. Project future developments for physical education and sport based on historical events, including events from both early and recent times.

 

UNIT XV