The purpose of this article is to show that this claim of Scottish origin is unsubstantiated and to bring to the attention of golf historians new source material which proves the continental origins of Scotland’s national game. A
Mathematical games in Europe around the year 1000
April 13, 2015 By
This paper addresses the question: which board games could Gerbert have played? There are also astronomical games.
The Importance of Parks in Fifteenth-Century Society
October 21, 2014 By
In this paper, my aim is to consider the role of parks in the fifteenth century.
Gambling and Gaming in the Holy Land: Chess, Dice and Other Games in the Sources of the Crusades
September 1, 2014 By
The article demonstrates that, for the Latin chroniclers, the most serious problem of gambling in the context of the crusades was its tendency to distract from the war effort.
Physical Education in the Early Middle Ages
July 27, 2014 By
The foundation of our modern gymnastics, including medical gymnastics, was established during the period from the Middle Ages to the 18th century, although the ideas upon which it was based had been in general use since Antiquity.
Women In The Medieval And Renaissance Period: Spectators Only
November 24, 2013 By
The particular concern in this paper is the involvement of women in sport during the Middle Ages and Renaissance period and, indeed, the analysis will examine this involvement as to woman’s role as spectator or participant.
Snow Castles and Horse Racing on Ice: Winter Fun in the Medieval North
November 23, 2013 By
Although the winters could be long and harsh in medieval Sweden, the people still found time to have fun and games.
The Study of Medieval Sports, Games, and Pastimes: A Fifteen-Year Reflection, 1988-2003
November 18, 2013 By
Although some noteworthy studies by trained medievalists appeared in the 1980s, 90s, and the beginning of the new century, especially from scholars working in medieval literature, they were only a beginning.
An ancient art, a long absence
August 15, 2013 By
Boxing was well known in the ancient era, and it has been popular in Europe since the 1700s, so why does it seem to have gone missing in the Middle Ages?
Historian uncovers evidence of football match from 1320
August 14, 2013 By
A recently discovered court roll has uncovered evidence that the game of football was played as early as 1320 in the town of Hollesley in Suffolk, England.
Real Tennis and the Civilising Process
July 4, 2013 By
The game of Real Tennis dates back to the twelfth century in France, when it began as a very simple ball game played with the hands. By the sixteenth century, it had reached its heyday and become a rule-governed and highly sophisticated sport.
Animals in Medieval Sports, Entertainment, and Menageries
February 3, 2013 By
We shall see that apes, marmosets, and popinjays were hardly the only kinds of animals pressed into service as entertainers for medieval people, for virtually every common European animal – and a large number of exotic imported species as well – took some part, large or small, in games, spectacles, menageries, performances, tournaments, and displays.
The Emperor, the Church, and Chariot Races: The Imperial Struggles with Christianity and Entertainment in Late Antique Constantinople
December 16, 2012 By
With seating available for around 80,000 citizens, just under one sixth of the population of Constantinople in the fifth century could get their voices heard by the emperor at each of the nearly 70 races held in the hippodrome every year, making chariot racing the most popular sport in the Roman world.
Women in Sport: Images from the Late Middle Ages
July 27, 2012 By
For a number of years, as part of my research on the history of women, I have been collecting images of medieval women in manuscript illuminations and church sculptures. I was struck by the quantity of scenes in which women were physically engaged in sporting activities.
“We Who Are All Players”: Constructing Early Modern Tennis
July 10, 2012 By
There are indications that early modern tennis was more violent than we would expect. Montaigne’s brother was killed on the tennis-court at the age of twenty-three by a ball that hit him under his ear.
Oar walking, underwater wrestling and horse fighting – historian examines the sports and games of the Vikings
July 2, 2012 By
Playing ball games is an activity played by children around the world. But while parents might worry that their sons and daughters might get scrapes and bruises, in the Viking world such a game could end with an axe being driven into an opponents head.
The Palio in Italian Renaissance art, thought, and culture
June 24, 2012 By
The palio and its associated feast days provided impetus for extensive artistic production. The palio derives its name from the banner awarded to the winner of the horse race.
Types of physical exercise in Medieval Serbia (XII-XIV century)
June 17, 2012 By
It is often said of a nation that it is as rich as its history. All the efforts and desire to get to the roots of our past lead us inevitably to the Middle Ages and connect us to the spirit of the rule of the House of Nemanjić. A profound influence this dynasty exerted on the history of the people of Serbia points out their greatness and significance. Serbian army from the period of the Nemanjić reign was famed for its bravery, agility, endurance, persistence, wisdom and skillfulness varying by the type of warfare. Brave voivode and warriors were the apple of Serbia’s eye, which in turn caused heroism to become a lifestyle.
Montaigne and the Sports of Italy
June 14, 2012 By
Athletic excellence was an equally strong component of Italian culture in the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
Football was being played in medieval Scotland, research reveals
October 18, 2011 By
A Scottish historian has discovered that the game of football was being played as early as the 15th century, and that by the 16th century organized games were taking place just outside castles throughout Scotland. Scottish Football Museum curator Richard McBrearty has found several records relating to the game in the archives of the National […]
The Imposition of Society on Medieval Irish Sport
October 11, 2011 By
Legend has it that Prince Lugh organized an event in Ireland called the Tailteann Games thousands of years ago, as a tribute to his fostermother. The games lasted until the twelfth century AD, and were a way for young Irishmen to show off their talent at various athletic competitions, such as chariot-racing, horse-racing, and hurling.
Queening: Chess and Women in Medieval and Renaissance France
April 9, 2011 By
This work explores the correlation between the game of chess and social conditions for women in both medieval and Renaissance France.
Sporting and Recreational Activities of Students in the Medieval Universities
July 17, 2010 By
The activities of students who attended these institutions provide historical insights into student life in an era before physical education and organized recreation became part of university education.
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