Ancient history is not all full of war and mystery. Sometimes, even in ancient civilizations, people just needed to take a break and have some fun! Although people in ancient times did not have any internet or technology, they did know how to have a good time. It is clear to see that many parts of ancient hobbies still exist today. In fact, without so many distractions and obligations, maybe people throughout ancient history had more time to enjoy themselves than we do.
The ancient Greeks were very fond of theatre, and several of the plays written in ancient Greece are still performed regularly today. The Greeks wrote many plays about mortals, gods, and myths. These plays were often categorized as either comedy or tragedy. The comedies often pointed out human flaws and also served as satire of the politics of the day. Greek drama heavily influenced Western literature. The stories are still repurposed today. The use of makeup and costumes to create archetypal characters continues today. But perhaps the theatre itself has had the greatest impact on the performing arts.
The ancient Greeks didn't have broadcast television or radio. They couldn't stream a play from a mobile screen. People often went to a theatre to watch a play. Despite the lack of electric loudspeakers, the Greeks built theatres that allowed the performances to be heard easily by the audience. They were often carved into hillsides away from the city centre. The elevation and acoustics made it easy for more people to see and hear the play.
Ancient Roman entertainment was comparable to that of the Greeks. Whereas ancient Greek theatres were only partial circles, Roman amphitheatres were complete circles. This allowed the audience to view spectator sports from any angle. It also allowed Roman leaders to put on more impressive spectacles to gain the people's favour. During times of war or political upheaval, Roman emperors were known to give out free food and host games and diversions. Popular entertainment can be a healthy diversion. It can also be a dangerous tool.
Dramatic performance was also popular in ancient Rome. But amphitheatres like the lavish Colosseum allowed for a wider range of entertainment. Exotic beasts were brought to be hunted in the arena. Epic gladiatorial fights were battled in the arena. Elaborate battles were recreated in the arena. The Romans particularly enjoyed watching horse races. The beast hunt and gladiatorial combat are now outmoded because of their violence. But horse racing is still enjoyed today. As a matter of fact, all manner of racing can be enjoyed today. The stadiums these races are hosted in have changed relatively little in shape since the Roman circuses.
Many entertainment sports are derived from martial arts. Wrestling and boxing provided youth with training for war. Tsu Chu, a precursor to soccer, was recommended in a Chinese military training manual in the third century B.C. Archery was developed for hunting and warfare long before it made its debut as an Olympic sport in 1900. Even when we're having fun, we can still be doing something productive.
Our ancient ancestors didn't just rely on physical sports to entertain themselves. Tabletop games such as chess have been played for ages. Nine Men's Morris is a once-popular game comparable to checkers. It was played all over the world. Each player started with nine pieces. You needed three men to create a mill to catch one of the opponent's pieces. The first player to lose all but two men would forfeit the match.
Just about anyone was allowed to enjoy the entertainments hosted in larger venues like theatres. But the wealthy could also host smaller banquets for their friends. These banquets could look vastly different depending on the culture. For example, a lūʻau in Hawaii typically centered around a feast. On the other hand, ancient Greeks could expect a lot of wine, but not much dinner at a symposium. Both types of banquets usually featured music though.
What ancient forms of entertainment pique your interest? Which ones can you recognize today? Which do you wish still existed?