Physical Fitness in Ancient Roman Boys and Men

How Athletics and Physical Activities Ensured a Militaristic Society

Jun 26, 2009

Athletics, recreation and other physical activities helped to keep Roman boys and men fit for the army. Find out what kinds of activities they enjoyed 1000s of years ago.

The Roman army has a long-standing legacy as one of the most powerful and well-trained military forces in human history. Roman soldiers were widely considered to be the best trained in the Mediterranean, and popular images of the army depict it as a “highly organized, rigorously professional and savagely disciplined force run on remarkably modern lines” according to historian Adrian Goldsworthy. This is because militarism was carefully woven into many aspects of Roman life. For one, all citizens were expected to keep themselves physically fit so that they were prepared for military service. Even young boys took part in rigorous physical training, and the recreational activities they enjoyed were more for healthy exercise than for the joy of playing.

What Kind of Physical Activities Were Common in Ancient Rome?

Swimming: Swimming was one of the favorite activities of a Roman boy, and it was widely practiced in the Tiber River, next to the Campus Martius. It was an important skill for the military, as soldiers had to be able to swim through swift currents and cross rivers without bridges. Most Roman baths were also equipped with plunge pools, in which swimming was enjoyed.

Horseback Riding: Every young Roman was expected to be a good equestrian, as the cavalry was an essential component of the army. From a popular source by Plutarch, it is known that Cato the Elder trained his son to ride horses at a young age, and Vegetius’ A Book about Military Affairs explains that vaulting onto horses was to be “practiced strictly and constantly.”

Javelin Throwing: Another activity that Cato the Elder taught his son was how to throw a javelin. According to Vegetius, by practicing this exercise, boys increased their upper-arm strength and acquired valuable skills and experience in hurling missiles.

Wrestling and Boxing: Wrestling and boxing were popular sports that were usually practiced in the palaestra (a central field) of Roman baths. Both helped to improve overall fitness and build strength and stamina, and they were generally enjoyed by many Romans. Wrestling was even a part of a young boy’s formal education. Because there were no such things as boxing gloves, athletes tightly wrapped their hands in layers of cloth.

Running: Running was another important part of a young Roman’s formal education because it helped improve stamina and agility. Roman boys competed in footraces with one another on the vast floodplain of the Campus Martius, which provided an ideal location for this activity.

Hunting: Hunting was one of the oldest and most popular sports among the Roman elite. According to author of Sport in Ancient Times, Nigel Crowther, some considered it a military exercise to teach future soldiers how to outwit their “opponent.” In this way, it offered practice to boys who could hunt an animal as if it was an enemy soldier. Moreover, practicing marksmanship with weapons was undoubtedly useful in preparing for the army.

Ball Games: During their exercises, Romans also participated in a variety of sporting activities involving balls, including handball, soccer, field hockey, catch games, and perhaps even dodge ball. These usually took place in the palaestra or sphaerista (ball-courts).

Athletics and physical activities played a monumental role in keeping Roman boys and men physically fit and capable of military service. Many forms of exercise, athletics, and recreational activities that were, for all intents and purposes, considered to be recreational or leisurely pursuits were critical to a future soldier’s training. It is not an understatement to say that much of life in the city of Rome revolved around the army in some way, and the close association between leisure and physical activities and the military is yet another example of the predominance of Rome’s martial culture.

Crowther, Nigel B. 2007. Sport in Ancient Times. Westport, CT: Praeger Publishers.

Goldsworthy, Adrian. 2003. The Complete Roman Army. New York: Thames & Hudson.

The copyright of the article Physical Fitness in Ancient Roman Boys and Men in Roman History is owned by Steven Fife. Permission to republish Physical Fitness in Ancient Roman Boys and Men in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.