Torch: U.S. LXXI Winter 2021

ANCIENT GAMES & EXERCISES

included in award-winning games such as the Olympics in Ancient Greece. Yet, its importance is reflected in other ways. The hoop-shape of the τροχός served a significant cultural and religious role in Ancient Greece as it symbolized the “Wheel of Fate” and progress. The game thus mimicked how players master the wheel given to them by Fate.

Now, give it a try for yourself! There are many kits available for sale online, but there are also many DIY options. The substitutes I found most readily available were hula-hoops and pool noodles for the hoop and sticks and rulers for the driver. As we approach the holiday break, de-stress with trochus!

ANCIENT GAMES & EXERCISES: TROCHUS · Winter 2021· Torch: U.S.

Mosaic floor depicting three young men playing with hoops in a courtyard c. 400 BC. Currently in the Great Palace Mosaic Museum in Istanbul (5th cent. CE). Photo by Dick Osseman.

Smith, William, and William Wayte. “A Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities (1890), TROCHUS.” Perseus Digital Library, 1890, www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.04.0063%3Aentry%3Dtrochus-cn.

Véronique Dasen. Hoops and Coming of Age in Greek and Roman Antiquity. 8th International Toy Research Association World Conference, Jul 2018, Paris, France. ffhal-02170802f

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