Soccer

Soccer and handball games have been played for centuries. Over thousands of years, ancient communities introduced rules to their elementary play of kicking and throwing. Games also embellished religious or tribal festivals. The Chinese played soccer games at least 3000 years ago. 

 In South and Central America a soccer like game called Tlatchi was played. The Ancient Greeks and the Romans used soccer games to sharpen warriors for battle. Roman games such as Harpastum or Paganica, which all had elements of kicking or running with the ball, spread Europe-wide with their empire's armies.

Traditional soccer games played throughout Europe in centuries past are still being staged in modern times, especially in the British Isles. They usually include an element of mob battles and chases over countryside and through water. Undertones of ancient Celtic pagan ceremonies as well as the influence of old Roman Empire army games can be recognized. In later years soccer play was often linked to rural wedding-day celebrations in Western Europe.