Roman Leisure
Introduction
Most people in Roman times didn't have that much free time. They were too busy working. But when they did, they sure did spend it well!
Board Games: The ancient Romans like board games a lot. Lots of board games have been found by archaeologists, although they don't know the rules. There was dice, knucklebones, Roman chess, Roman checkers, tic-tac-toe, and Roman backgammon.
Hunting and Fishing: Hunting and fishing was one of the oldest and most popular sport among the Romans. Romans introduced fallow deer to Britain just for hunting. Fishing was one of the favourite pastimes in the country.
Fights:The Romans did some horrible things for fun too. They enjoyed fights between gladiators, sending two men to fight to the death, fights between a human and a beast, and public executions. These bloodthirsty shows took place in large arenas called amphitheaters.
Swimming: Swimming was a very popular sport for the boys, which was practiced in the Tiber River. Some Roman baths would also have plunge pools, in which swimming was enjoyed. There are few accounts of women who knew how to swim in ancient Roman times.
Horseback Riding: Horseback riding was a preferred activity for the patrician boys in ancient Rome if they wanted to be a patrician like their fathers.
Wrestling and Boxing: Wrestling and boxing were also very popular. Both helped to improve overall fitness and build strength and stamina and were enjoyed by many Romans. There were no boxing gloves, so players wrapped cloth around their hands.
Running: Running (or racing) was another favoured sport in Rome. Boys had footraces with each other in the Campus Martius, and ideal place for this sport.
Ball Games: During other exercises, Romans played exercises that includes a ball, such as handball, soccer, field hockey, catch games, and dodge ball. These took place in a ball court. Girls may have played these.
Other: There were several other activities to keep the people of Rome content and to prevent uprisings, such as chariot races at the Circus Maximus, or musical and theatrical performances.
Most people in Roman times didn't have that much free time. They were too busy working. But when they did, they sure did spend it well!
Board Games: The ancient Romans like board games a lot. Lots of board games have been found by archaeologists, although they don't know the rules. There was dice, knucklebones, Roman chess, Roman checkers, tic-tac-toe, and Roman backgammon.
Hunting and Fishing: Hunting and fishing was one of the oldest and most popular sport among the Romans. Romans introduced fallow deer to Britain just for hunting. Fishing was one of the favourite pastimes in the country.
Fights:The Romans did some horrible things for fun too. They enjoyed fights between gladiators, sending two men to fight to the death, fights between a human and a beast, and public executions. These bloodthirsty shows took place in large arenas called amphitheaters.
Swimming: Swimming was a very popular sport for the boys, which was practiced in the Tiber River. Some Roman baths would also have plunge pools, in which swimming was enjoyed. There are few accounts of women who knew how to swim in ancient Roman times.
Horseback Riding: Horseback riding was a preferred activity for the patrician boys in ancient Rome if they wanted to be a patrician like their fathers.
Wrestling and Boxing: Wrestling and boxing were also very popular. Both helped to improve overall fitness and build strength and stamina and were enjoyed by many Romans. There were no boxing gloves, so players wrapped cloth around their hands.
Running: Running (or racing) was another favoured sport in Rome. Boys had footraces with each other in the Campus Martius, and ideal place for this sport.
Ball Games: During other exercises, Romans played exercises that includes a ball, such as handball, soccer, field hockey, catch games, and dodge ball. These took place in a ball court. Girls may have played these.
Other: There were several other activities to keep the people of Rome content and to prevent uprisings, such as chariot races at the Circus Maximus, or musical and theatrical performances.