Origins of Wrestling
Origins of Wrestling Wrestling is probably the oldest of all sports and has been depicted in cave paintings dating back 15,000 years. It was a sport practiced in many ancient societies. The first wrestling matches were likely part of military training. The Ancient Greeks were the most prolific wrestlers, and they elevated it to a physical art form. They realized that wrestling is like playing chess with your body, utilizing techniques and moves to outwit your opponent and, in the process, dominate him. The Greeks also created the Olympic Games, and wrestling was one of only a few events featured in the very first Games in the eighth century B.C. Later, with the fall of the Greek Empire in the fifth century A.D., the Olympic Games ceased, and the sport became less of an art form (reverting to its more militaristic beginnings). In time, both styles spread to the Roman Empire and beyond. When the Olympics resumed in 1896, one of the first sports offered was wrestling. 1904 Olympic Wrestling Match Wrestling in the Americas Many Native American tribes practiced wrestling, but little is known about their distinct styles, which are likely to have varied from tribe to tribe. While the styles may have been different, the goal was the same -- to become skilled warriors. During the 1700’s, wrestling graduated from a form of combat into a genuine spectator sport. It was the major contact sport among men of all classes in America. The wrestling style of the day was collar and elbow, named for the starting position.
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