The origins of sport can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where physical contests were closely linked to religious rituals, military training, and social hierarchy. In ancient Greece, athletic competitions such as the Olympic erotic Games were dedicated to the gods and served as a demonstration of physical excellence and moral virtue.
Similarly, in ancient Rome, sporting events such as gladiatorial contests functioned as political tools, reinforcing imperial authority while entertaining the masses. These early forms of sport were not merely recreational but deeply embedded in societal structures.