The development and establishment of ball games in the ancient world

Abstract

The article deals with the data concerning the genesis, establishment and development of ball games in Ancient Greece and Rome. Their essence and social functions have been defined. The consecrated and ceremonial character of ball games peculiar to ancient civilizations has been emphasized (a ball as a sacred item created by gods impersonated the Sun, the Moon and the Earth). In the classical antiquity a ball was both the acquisition of gods and the point of all the social spheres. It was treated as a toy for children, a means of physical education and training, an effective way to revitalize the human body in health-related and free-time activities. Thus, ball games have been proved to execute significant social functions.