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Source: oldest.org
Sports have been an integral part of human evolution, with prehistoric humans engaging in physical activities that laid the groundwork for modern sports. Here are some of the oldest sports still played.
Image: wikipedia.org
Gymnastics
It was developed around 500 BC by the ancient Greeks to prepare for warfare. The sport eventually gained popularity among citizens and was eventually included in the Olympics in 776 BC.
Football
FIFA recognised Tsu Chu as the earliest form of football. The sport, dating back to 2500 BC in ancient China, involves kicking a ball through an opening in a small net.
Image: commons.wikimedia.org/Public domain
Boxing
The discovery of a Sumerian relief, depicting two men facing each other with their arms bent and fists clenched, dates the sport to about 3000 BC. It was included in the Olympics in 688 BC.
Wrestling
Probably evolving from hand-to-hand combat, works of art date the sport back to 3000 BC in the Egyptian and Sumerian civilisations. It was first featured in the Olympics in 704 BC.
Swimming
Humans have been swimming since prehistoric times, with the earliest depictions dating back to 6000 BC (cave painting in the Libyan desert). It became a competitive sport in 1837.
Image: wikipedia.org/Roland Unger
Archery
The invention of the bow and arrow dates back to 10,000 BC, when the Egyptians and their neighbouring Nubian cultures used it for hunting and warfare. It was first featured in the Olympics in 1900.
Running
Evolutionists believe humans learnt to run 2-3 million years ago, with the earliest depictions found in the cave paintings in France (15,000 years ago). It was included in the Olympics in 776 BC.
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