KIN 300 Lecture 4Outline of Last Lecture I. Greecea. Influenceb. Focusc. Athens and Spartad. Greek Womene. Olympic GamesOutline of Current Lecture I. Romea. The Etruscansb. Ancient Romec. Roman Sporti. Military Trainingii. Women and Sportd. Roman vs. Greekse. Games and Spectacles i. ArenasCurrent Lecture• Rome- The Etruscans• The Etruscans, whom the Romans adopted many of the features of their culture from, were influenced by the Greeks, the Phoenicians, Egyptians, and civilizations occupying Asia Minor– Etruscan cities were often planned and built around arenas which served as sporting venues• The development of Etruscan games and sport, as well as their philosophy of the body, had a profound impact on the outgrowth of Roman sport and gamesThese notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor’s lecture. GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes, not as a substitute.- The Etruscans• Although there are no Etruscan literary works or historical accounts; there are many writing samples carved on tombs – 1958: discovery of the Tomb of the Olympic Games containing elaborate paintings depicting various sporting scenes– Other tombs were discovered later that depicted footraces, jumping contests, discus, chariot racing, vaulting over wooden hurdles, swimming, gymnastics, armed combat - The Etruscans• Statues discovered depict men & women wrestlers competing against each other – Suggests that both Etruscan men and women were active and competed against each other– Women and men equally as athletic • Employed sports and athletic festivals for entertainment - The Etruscans• Chariot races seem to have been the most popular of the festivals for entertainment- Etruscan Sport• Festivals seemed to have tendency for violence:– Used prisoners as sacrifices to honor the dead – Later used prisoners as “performers” who entertained by fighting to the death- Ancient Rome• Following victory over Etruscans (in 509 B.C.), Roman Republic established • Romans were utilitarian; that is, when they conquered an enemy, they determined if various practices and approaches used by their former foes were better than current Roman practices– If so, the Romans adopted the practice- Ancient Romeo Romans adopted various Etruscan customs and practices after the conquering• The “blood sport” of the Etruscans would become one of the hallmarks of Roman civilization- Roman Sport• Romans found a lot to like about the Etruscan approach to sport – They wrestled, boxed, raced chariots, swam, and competed in footraces• These sports prepared participants to become better soldiers and so were adopted by Romans• Romans participation in sport grew- Roman Sport• Roman culture adopted the brutal and gruesome spectacles of the Etruscans thatpitted man against man and man against beast to entertain the spectators– Entertainment purposes• Fear of people overtaking government if people didn’t stay satisfied• Like the Etruscans, the Romans believed it was necessary to honor the gods & their dead with human sacrifices- Romans vs. Greeks: Cultural Analysis • Romans valued intellect & culture much less than Greeks– Focused on practical over aesthetic • Romans did not contribute as much to philosophic & scientific advancement compared to Greeks• Most Romans did not share the Greek belief in the “holistic” development of man– More focus on physical, less on mental- Romans and Greeks• Romans were focused on the practical & purposeful—very utilitarian – Great civil engineers & builders, many Roman roads still in use & building still remain– Very effective administrators– Developed Roman law– Practiced sport with purpose of training to make obedient , disciplined soldiers• To keep control and order among the people- Sport & Physical Education• During the early years of the Republic: – physical exercise was enjoyed by the citizens • although not nearly to the extent as in Greece– military training took precedence over intellectual achievement- Sport in Roman Empire• Greek physicians were used to instruct Romans in the benefits of health-related exercise– Maintenance of physical health became a worthwhile and natural goal• Early Romans enjoyed ball games based on throwing and catching, as well as a form of handball– Mild exercise was enjoyed, but strenuous physical competition was not pursued (except military personnel) - Sport in Roman Empire• Physical activities had dual purpose:– Benefits of healthful exercise could be enjoyed– Basic military skills would be learned– Mainly men because women did not go to battle- Roman Sport and the Military• Military extremely important– Affected views of physical training– Youth were trained to make obedient, disciplined soldiers– Prestigious profession– Legions were feared throughout ancient world– Roman Soldiers training for warfare• Military Training– Campus Martius was a large, open area with a temple dedicated to Mars, the Roman god of war– Fathers from wealth families brought their sons to teach them the physical skills required prior to their induction into manhood– Skills taught at the Campus Martius and other locations included• running, jumping, swimming, wrestling, horsemanship, boxing, fencing, and archery• complete obedience to commands• Women and Sport– Athletic competition was the domain of Roman men • But women did participate in swimming, dancing, & ball games• “Lighter” sports– Women’s role not nearly as documented as men’s role• for entertainment value; not taken seriously• Not as competitive or intense as men• Women and Sport– “Romanized” Olympic Games had wrestling and running contests for women– Archaeological evidence that women competed as gladiators• Roman officials outlawed participation at certain times• Women not treated as equals• Roman Sport & Physical Education– Under the Empire, the sporting activities of the Romans evolved into massive spectacles of entertainment, debauchery, & carnage– Physical activities allowed mere mortals to exhibit their physical skills before the gods thought to be in attendance during religious holidays• Games and Spectacles– Religious holidays became elaborate festivals• 53 public holidays in 173 B.C.; nearly 200 by 300 A.D.• Politicians often funded spectacles to get voter support– Spectacles