Today, we believe that the ancient sport of gymnastics was started by ancient Greeks in the early Olympic Games. But gymnastics actually dates back to around 7,000 years ago. In Ancient Egyptian times, acrobats entertained nobility. According to Gymnastics247, ancient frescoes show that acrobats vaulted over the backs of bulls on the island of Crete. This was when Minoan civilizations flourished, around 2,700 BC. About 2000 years before the first Olympic Games, the Chinese exercised in the art of Wushu. Gymnastics continued in Greek civilizations to keep ancient Grecians healthy through exercises like running, jumping, swimming, throwing, wrestling, and weight lifting. Physical fitness was highly to people in ancient Greece. Men and women alike participated in vigorous gymnastic exercises to keep them fit in ancient times. After the Romans conquered Greece, they used these activities for a more formal sport performed in gymnasiums to physically prepare their armies for battles using weapons and fights. In the years to come, however, the interest in this type of military training dwindled. After this, tumbling and gymnastic exercising became a form of entertainment for citizens of ancient Rome.
The word gymnastics comes from the Greek word gymnos. Although the activity of acrobatics survived, the thought that exercise lead to physical fitness was almost lost. During Medieval times, acrobats performed in traveling shows that consisted of songs, stories, and tumbling.
The word gymnastics comes from the Greek word gymnos. Although the activity of acrobatics survived, the thought that exercise lead to physical fitness was almost lost. During Medieval times, acrobats performed in traveling shows that consisted of songs, stories, and tumbling.