|
|
Roman Athletics
| Athletics were an important feature
of Roman culture and society. Athletics played many roles throughout
the culture. Recreation, military training, fitness, competition,
entertainment, political strategy, and education are all functions
of athletics in Roman times. Like other aspects of Roman Life,
athletics were greatly influenced by the Greeks. Although most
athletic activities were adopted from |
|
| Greek culture, their context changed once they were established
in Roman culture due to differences in the two societies. The
ancient Greek Olympics were incorporated into Roman culture once
Greece became a Roman province in 146 B.C. The Olympics served
as inspiration for new forms of athletics in the Roman World.
Public Spectacles emerged as another form of athletics
in Roman culture around 100 B.C. These events served several functions
in the Roman World, mainly entertainment and politics. The spectacles
had enormous power and were able to control the masses of people
and gain political support for the emperors and politicians. Elite
Recreation was another form of athletics that was prevalent in
Roman culture. Recreation and fitness was used for educating young
men to become competent leaders in Roman government, law, and
battle. |
|
