Historical Evolution of sports Historical Evolucion of sports researchpdf | Page 6

Equestrian Events
In ancient Greece only the wealthy
could afford to maintain a chariot
and horses. Chariots had been
used to carry warriors into battle,
and chariot races, along with other
sports events, were originally held
at the funeral games of heroes, as
described in Homer’s Iliad.
Wealthy citizens and Greek statesmen were anxious to win such a prestigious
event. They sometimes drove their own chariot, but usually employed a
charioteer. The races tookplace in an arena called the hippodrome. The most
dangerous place was at the turning post, where chariot wheels could lock
together and there were many crashes.
After the dangers and excitement of the chariot race came the horseracing. This
was hazardous because the track was already churned up, and the jockeys rode
without stirrups or saddles, which were not yet invented. The winning horse and
its owner were given an enthusiastic reception, and riderless horses that came
first past the post were also honoured.
HISTORICAL EVOLUTION OF SPORTS
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