Pre-History and Ancient Civilizations History and Philosophy of Physical Education and Sport

Lecture Objectives Discuss the causes for the evolution of the major civilizations of the ancient world and the development of their education as well as physical education systems Discuss Egypt, China, India, and the Hebrews and their contribution to, and lasting effects on current day philosophies and practices

World Atlas http://www.graphicmaps.com/webimage/ world/polit/politf.htm

Africa

Europe

Middle East

Asia 2001 http://www.graphicmaps.com/webimage/countrys/as.htm

Pre-History of Phys. Ed. Observations made of under developed cultures, such as, African Bushman, American Indians, and Australian Aborigine suggest that physical activities and games were an important part of education (achieved through imitation of adult activities) Tonga Dancers africaelephants.com/

Early Civilizations: Egypt Remarkable astronomists (12 month calendar) Amazing Architects, engineers and navigators Invented the numerical system, and a phonetic/pictorial alphabet

Early Civilizations: Egypt Developed a formalized style of painting and sculpture Were very spiritual and believed in life after death The gold coffin of King Tutankhamen. Art Archive(Egyptian Museum, Cairo)

Early Civilizations: Egypt Participated in war dancing, gymnastic games, swimming and especially wrestling Children had toys, such as, dolls, tops, hoops, jumping jacks, skin or leather balls, marbles, and dice. Ball games included mostly tossing and juggling Cleopatra VII (51 – 30 BC) Source: Touregypt.net

Early Civilizations: China China’s known history predates Christianity by 2,500 years. One the earliest centers of civilization based on a strong family structure and ancestral worship. Chinese education during the Chou dynasty (1028-249 B.C.) incorporated physical, mental, moral and aesthetic teaching. Duan Fang altar set Source: www.wisc.edu/arth/

Early Civilizations: China Around the 8th century B.C., China’s central government was replaced by warring factions. Education was neglected and old traditions abandoned. Confucius (551-479 B.C.) embarked on a mission to restore the original principles of Chinese morals. Image source: www.csun.edu/~hbchm009/confucius.html

Early Civilizations: China As was the case in other early cultures, Chinese sports reflected military needs: archery, boxing (precursor to Japanese ju-jitsu), charioteering, horsemanship, wrestling, …, and recreational, i.e., cockfighting, fishing, flying kites, football, hunting, polo, swimming… Board games (using military tactics, i.e., the games of chess, which has earlier origins in Egypt) www.geocities.com/ wchch/crt00/index.html

Early Civilizations: India One of the main three early “river” civilizations, India emerged along the Indus River (2,500-1,500 B.C.) Hinduism was based on Dharma (piety—religious virtue) and the caste social system. Buddhism started as a reform movement against the excesses of the caste system. http://home.earthlink.net/ ~srama/

Early Civilizations: India Physical education was most prominent in the Kshatriyas or military caste in this otherwise passive and peaceful culture. Physical training and dance revolved around religious practices and ceremonies. A strong emphasis on personal hygiene was tied into physical exercise and spiritual purification. Charaka and Susruta (ancient medicine) recommended exercise.

The Maya The Maya, who flourished between about A.D. 250 and 900, perfected the most complex writing system in the hemisphere, mastered mathematics and astrological calendars of astonishing accuracy, and built massive pyramids all over Central America, from Yucatan to modern Honduras. Source: http://www.indians.org/welker/maya.htm

Test Your Comprehension What was the main role of physical education in ancient cultures? In what context were games, physical training, and dance practiced in ancient societies? What games and sports of ancient origin are still popular today? In what ways do ancient sports differ from modern sports?

Cultural Diffusion of Games and Sports The cultural diffusion that is the trend of the modern era is responsible for increasing uniformity in games people play. The universality of games is also influenced by the increasing influence of the corporate world.

Questions, Comments Discussion For additional information visit the course web site at: http://instructional1.calstatela.edu/dfrankl/CURR/kin375/p260infc.htm