The
Romans Invented Hopscotch
One
example of something that is around today from Roman times
that you may not have thought of is the game of hopscotch.
Roman
soldiers were required to play the game as a training
drill. They had to 'play' in 'full kit' i.e. with their
full armor, spear, sword, shield & helmet.
The
aim of the drill was to increase the soldier's strength
and stamina as well as increase their sure footedness
and agility. It is one of history's first examples of
cross training.
Rumour
has it that the game was drawn up on roads in Roman Britain.
The game board was thought to be around C
feet (XXX metres)
long and as you can imagine, it was not the soldiers favourite
pass time.
Possible
Extension Activity -
draw a X square hopscotch
board on your playground. Label each square with the roman
numerals your group of friends feel they need to focus
on then say each numeral aloud as you play the game.
