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| Boxing sport in ancient Egypt |
Delve into the thrilling world of ancient Egyptian sports, a land rich with historical significance and cultural depth. Egypt, a civilization that flourished along the fertile banks of the Nile River, was not only known for its pyramids, hieroglyphs, and pharaohs but also for its diverse and vibrant sports culture. Through the lens of sports, we can gain a deeper understanding of the ancient Egyptians' way of life, their values, and their societal structures.
Carved in Stone
In ancient Egypt, sports were integral to everyday life and celebrations. The Egyptians were known for their physical strength and agility, which they attributed to their active lifestyle and participation in various sports activities. From the hieroglyphs carved on ancient temple walls and the artifacts found in royal tombs, we have been able to piece together the rich sporting traditions of ancient Egypt.
More Than a Game
Sports in ancient Egypt were not merely recreational activities; they held deep symbolic, cultural, and religious significance. They were a testament to the Egyptians' physical prowess and agility and an integral part of their societal structure. They served as a platform for the Egyptians to showcase their strength, skill, and strategic thinking.
Then vs. Now
Today's sports were also played during the ancient Egyptian period. Many illustrations on the walls of tombs and monuments show that sports like the long jump, wrestling, weightlifting, rowing, swimming, shooting, athletics, fishing, and a few ball games were very popular with the ancient Egyptians. Also, many kings and princes in this era were keenly interested in attending sports competitions, which they funded with equipment and other support. Rules like choosing a neutral referee, uniforms for players, and the announcement of winners by awarding different medals are some aspects of ancient Egyptian sports that are very similar to today's sports.
Playing for Ma’at
Sports in ancient Egypt played a pivotal role in shaping societal norms and values. They were not only a means of maintaining health and physical fitness but also a way of teaching valuable life skills and instilling discipline, teamwork, and strategic thinking. The ancient Egyptians believed in the concept of 'Ma’at,' the divine order that governed the universe, and sports were seen as a way of maintaining this order and harmony.
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| How sports were carved in stone |
Voices about the Past
As Dr. Sherif Shaaban, a lecturer at the Faculty of Antiquities, Cairo University and Ancient Egyptian antiquities expert, told us:
“Swimming, land hunting, river hunting, rowing, spear throwing, boxing, wrestling, weightlifting, gymnastics, rhythmic dance, balance, horseback riding, and running were among the most famous sports practiced in ancient Egypt. The presence of the Nile River greatly contributed to the widespread practice of swimming, rowing, and river hunting. Rowing, in particular, required high physical strength from ancient Egyptians. As depicted in the image, rowing teams relied on uniformity in their strokes guided by their leader, who controlled the team's rhythm through specific calls, ensuring a stable and efficient forward motion.
Team sports like tug-of-war, played with a rope, and field hockey, using cut palm branches and a ball made of papyrus covered with cloth or animal skin, were also popular. Archery was common but primarily associated with nobility and kings, with physical fitness being essential for princes, especially heirs to the throne, to lead armies and intimidate enemies. This is evident in the Sed festival rituals, held after the first thirty years of a king's reign, renewing his youth. Amenhotep II was an excellent archer like Ramesses II, known for his prowess in archery and skilled hunting, maintaining his physical fitness throughout his long life. Horseback riding was also beloved by kings and princes, as demonstrated by Amenhotep II during his time as a prince. Most of our knowledge about sports in ancient Egypt comes from tomb engravings, especially scenes of boxing and wrestling from the tombs of Beni Hasan in Minya, which depict details of these sports.
Tahteeb: Rhythm and Respect
And by interviewing Mrs. Amira Noshokaty, Assistant Editor-in-Chief and Founder of the Heritage Department at Ahram Online, she informed us about “Tahteeb”:
Tahteeb is a stick dance/game performed by males, usually involving two people, each holding a stick, and trying to touch specific body parts of each other with the tip of the stick, while moving to the rhythm of a drum beat and *mizzmar*. Tahteeb’s rules revolve around scoring points by touching specific areas of the body with the tip of the stick. Any violent behaviour means that the player would be expelled and banned from practicing. There are 206 points, called *Babat*, which amounts to the number of body bones. The game is usually performed on drum beats and *mezzmar* rhythms and is customarily played during *moulids* or wedding festivities. One of the most interesting elements of Tahteeb is the traditional costumes worn by the players and their sticks.
Ball Games and Brotherhood
She also told us that there were ball games. Ancient Egyptians played various ball games, including a game similar to modern-day handball. Players would use their hands to pass and throw a ball, aiming to score points by getting the ball past their opponents.
We find in the cemetery of Khiti from the 11th Dynasty, about 2000 BC, in Bani Hassan, views of standing balls and the players riding on the backs of their colleagues. The same scenes are in the Bakt cemetery from the same period in Beni Hassan.
Mind Games
Additionally, they played board games. While not sports in the traditional sense, board games like “Senet”, “Mehen”, and “Hounds and Jackals” were popular pastimes in ancient Egypt. These games involved strategy, luck, and competition, providing entertainment and mental stimulation.
Global Arena
Sports games in ancient Egypt were not limited to being practiced casually, but they were held as organized competitions in various forms. These events were not limited to Egyptians alone; foreigners participated as well, and the competitions were conducted based on fair arbitration.
In the temple of Ramesses III from the 20th Dynasty, around 1100 BC, in Medinet Habu, there is a painting showing the competition between Egyptians and foreigners. International arbitration was conducted by judges from five countries or peoples, whether from Asia or Africa. There are opinions that ancient Egypt used to organize international competitions in the Akhmim region, and researchers hope to uncover more about these ancient events.
Swimming sport in pharaonic era