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

2. 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

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

4. Africa

5. Europe

6. Middle East

7. Asia 2001

8. 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/

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

10. 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)

11. 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

12. 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 ( B.C.) incorporated physical, mental, moral and aesthetic teaching.
Duan Fang altar set
Source:

13. 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 ( B.C.) embarked on a mission to restore the original principles of Chinese morals.
Image source:

14. 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)
wchch/crt00/index.html

15. 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.
~srama/

16. 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.

17. 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:

18. 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?

19. 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.

20. Questions, Comments Discussion
For additional information visit the course web site at: