The History of Sports

Sports have been played since ancient times. People ran races, wrestled, and played ball games long ago. The ancient Greeks held the first Olympic Games. Today, millions of people around the world play and watch all kinds of sports.

Ancient Sports

The ancient Olympics started in Greece in 776 BCE. Athletes competed in running, wrestling, and throwing events. In ancient Mesoamerica, people played a ball game using their hips. Ancient Romans watched chariot races and gladiator battles in huge arenas.

Modern Sports

Many popular sports today were invented in the 1800s and 1900s. Basketball was created in 1891 by James Naismith. Soccer became organized with official rules in England. The modern Olympic Games started again in 1896 in Athens, Greece. Today, billions of people watch sports like soccer, cricket, and basketball.

Fun Facts

• The ancient Greek Olympics had only one event at first: a short running race.
• Basketball was invented using a peach basket as the first hoop.
• The most popular sport in the world is soccer, called football in most countries.

Did You Know?

Ancient Greek Olympic athletes competed completely naked and covered their bodies in olive oil.