Harpastum

Harpaston ( gr ἁρπαστόν, dt " rob ", " quick take " ) was a ball game of Greek and Roman antiquity. It served as a physical education. The Romans called the game Harpastum ( " The exercises with small ball "). Until the 5th century it was one of the most popular Roman ball games.

Regulate

Is not much handed over the exact rules. It is assumed that the Greeks and Romans the game denied by similar rules. By today's perspective, it was a mixture of rugby and handball. It was played with two teams on a rectangular field. At the two ends of the playing field in 75 steps away was a goal line. The aim of the game was to get the ball behind the goal line of the opposing team. Each team consisted of probably 5 to 12 players. The ball was caught both from the air, beaten or thrown by hand. Close-fitting duels were obviously fundamental part of the game. The ball consisted of a pig's bladder.

Clement of Alexandria speaks of a ball game called Phaininda and says that "it is played with a small ball in the sun and is very well suited for men ." According to Julius Pollux and Athenaeus, it is the same game as Harpaston. It was played " on dusty ground ."

The Gladiator physician Galen points out in his writings that the "playing with small ball " is very cost effective and can be played by the poorest. Moreover, it is of all physical exercises the most versatile, has had effects positively on the whole body. The risk of injury is significantly lower than in other sports ( of that time ).