Historical Evolution of sports Historical Evolucion of sports researchpdf | Page 16

the need to modify a lethargic state that then existed, giving rise later to the Renaissance. On the other hand, the manifestations of physical character, such as sports practice and body worship, so celebrated by the Greeks and until a certain period by the Romans, did not find the same stimulus in the Middle Ages. However, a number of respected historians regard the medieval period as a true source of riches and benefits for Western civilization. The figure of the knight, physically and spiritually well-prepared, gallant and romantic, outstanding in the act of riding, in the use of the sword would, later give origin to sport modalities of Olympic character, like the equestrianism and the fencing. In the Middle Ages, therefore, there was no physical education which the Greeks sought by means of a certain primitivism to stimulate, but a physical activity which, leaving aside violence, reveals bravery and loyalty on the part of its practitioners. The Knight He was the representative of the nobility within the nobility. He was a landlord, promoted leisure, and displayed good manners. He respected an elaborate code of chivalry which obliged him to serve first his master, then the Christian religion, and finally the romantically chosen lady, who, may not be his wife. Their preparation included the practice of fencing, archery, marching, running, riding (such HISTORICAL EVOLUTION OF SPORTS 16