The Value of Physical Education to the Ancient Greeks and...

The Value of Physical Education to the Ancient Greeks and Romans Throughout history, society has placed a different value on physical education and sport. The purpose of physical education has changed over different time periods and as a result of ever-changing socio-cultural events. Some civilizations use the practice of physical education to prepare for war, some for profit, and some for a general all-around development. Three ancient cultures are of particular importance to development of physical education. The Athenian Greeks, the Spartan Greeks, and the Romans each had their own beliefs about the mind, body, and spirit. While these early civilizations valued physical development to varying degrees, they are all worthy of†¦show more content†¦A famous Greek epic, the Iliad, described the funeral games held in honor of Patroclus, Achilles friend who had been killed in the Trojan War (Lumpkin, 1990, p. 167). The men participated in a chariot race, boxing, wrestling, a footrace, a duel with spears, a discus throw, archery, and a javelin throw. Women had a very different role in Athenian society. The girls remained at home with their mothers and received little or no education. They were secluded to the home after marriage (Lumpkin, 1990, p. 168). In contrast, the purpose of education in ancient Sparta was to produce a well-drilled, well-disciplined marching army (Donn Donn, 2000). Sparta was known for conquering other lands and everything carried out in the Spartan society was done for the purpose of achieving this goal. To become a superior Spartan soldier, boys had to endure unbelievable pain and hardship. The boys were taken away from their parents at age 7, and lived a harsh and brutal life in the soldiers barracks. The older children started fights with the younger children to make them tough and strong (Donn Donn, 2000). Spartan boys utilized running and jumping as a means of conditioning. They also participated in swimming, hunting, wrestling, boxing, playing ball, riding horses bareback, throwing the discus and the javelin, and competing in the pancratium. A strict code of discipline was placed on its people. As boysShow MoreRelatedAncient Greek Athletes : An Idealized Human1226 Words   |  5 PagesThe Anc ient Greek Athlete: An Idealized Human In Ancient Greece the culture thrived on the Olympic Games. This was a sacred time period were all the Greek country sides would hold fighting and come together (Girginov Parry, 2005). The few Olympic athletes that made it to the games were idealized (â€Å"Ancient Olympia History,† n.d.). The high values the society and people placed on the games and the athletes are what defined the epitome of humankind. 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