Theories of Sport in Prehistory

Introduction to the History of Sport

• This unit introduces the history of sport.
• The professor is Dr. Alejandro Leiva Arcas, a Bachelor's degree holder in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences.
• Presented as a Didactic Unit 1, Introduction at UCAM.

What is History?

• A common misconception is that history is simply a record of past events.
• History, according to the RAE (2010), is the totality of political, social, economic, cultural, and other events or facts of a people or nation.
• Historical analysis needs to take into account three temporal dimensions.

History as a Tool

• History serves as an analytical tool in various fields.
• The scientific method is used to analyze past events to obtain reasoned and critical interpretations.
• Knowing, interpreting, and drawing conclusions are core aspects of the historical method.

Subject and Object of Study in History

• The subject of history is the human being, both individually and collectively.
• The object of historical study encompasses all areas associated with mankind, including actions and events with significant impact on the past.
• Historical interest covers numerous diverse topics such as society, culture, economy, art, politics, and sport.

Amsterdam 1928 Olympic Games

• The 1928 Amsterdam Olympic Games marked the first women's 800m race event.
• There was strong resistance from coaches, doctors, and the International Olympic Committee, who deemed the event "inhuman" and contrary to women's physical capabilities.
• Some female competitors fainted at the finish line, and the 200m women's race was banned until the 1960 Rome Olympics.

Kathrine Switzer (Boston Marathon, 1967)

• This event, depicted in a photo on slide 5, illustrates an historical moment where Kathrine Switzer ran the Boston Marathon in 1967.

Beijing 2008

• Constantina Dita-Tomescu was a 38-year-old runner at the Beijing 2008 Olympics and finished a 2h26m race.

Sources for the Knowledge of History

• Sources for history are artefacts, documents, testimonies, or representations used by historians.
• These sources are categorized into: direct, indirect, primary and secondary sources.
• Direct sources are those created by past societies with the intention of documenting their history (e.g., diaries, official records).
• Indirect sources are materials produced by past societies without the intent to record history (e.g., archaeological finds, artwork).

Example of a Direct Source (Amsterdam Olympics 1928)

• An example provided is the official report from the Amsterdam Olympic Games of 1928.
• This is a primary source document (original record).

Examples of Indirect Sources

• Examples include ancient Etruscan figures depicting dancing or running, and an image of a Giraffe in Ancient Egypt from a tomb of Rekhmire.

Divisions of History

• History is divided into prehistoric and historical periods.
• Prehistoric periods (Paleolithic and Neolithic) are subdivided based on characteristics such as hunting and gathering vs. agriculture.
• Historical time periods include Ancient Age, Middle Ages, Modern Age and Contemporary Age.

Approaches to the Study of History

• Diachronic studies analyze societies as a whole across time, focusing on evolution.
• Synchronic studies analyze societies at particular points in time, focusing on individual aspects.

History of Sport (Pérez y Verdes, 1997)

• The history of physical activities examines, explains, and understands Physical Education and Sports within the context of varied cultures.

SPORT (Real Academia Española)

• SPORT, from French desport, means amusement.
• Its first definition encompasses physical activity in a formal setting.
• The second definition includes recreation, leisurely activities.

Terminological Aspects

• Physical activity - Any bodily movement produced by muscles, exceeding the basal level of energy expenditure.
• Physical exercise - Planned, structured, and repetitive activity aimed at improving physical and mental well-being.
• Game - Free activity played with predefined rules (either pre-established or improvised), limited duration and often recreational in nature.
• Physical education - A discipline encompassing integral individual development via motor skills.
• Gymnastics - A formal sport involving specific exercises emphasizing strength, flexibility, agility, and graceful movements.

Limits of Sport

• Closed focus: Sport encompassing regulated, competitive, and institutionalised physical activities focused on maximum performance.
• Open focus: All forms of activities aimed at physical and mental improvement (organised or not).

Physical and Sporting Activities in Prehistoric Societies (20)

• This topic discusses prehistoric physical activity.

Emergence of Standing (21)

• The development of upright posture and bipedal walking was a crucial development in humankind.

Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Neolithic Eras (22)

• Prehistoric eras such as Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic are discussed according to tools, societal structures, and human activities. The progression of tool technologies and strategies for survival are emphasized during this period.

Was there Sport in Prehistoric Times? (23)

• The scarcity of historical sources makes it difficult to definitively categorize prehistoric activities as "sport."
• Three approaches to the study of sport in prehistory are offered. These include historical theories, archaeology and anthropology.

Theories on the Origin of Sport (i & ii) (24,25)

• Several theories, arising from different perspectives (geographic, philosophical, Marxist, biological etc.) explain the origins of sport.
• Theories include those by Lukas & Eichel (1969, materialist/Marxist), Neuendorff (1930,biological), Eppensteiner (1964) and others.
• These theories consider factors such as physical preparation, survival needs, social development and spiritual practices as drivers of prehistoric activities.

Hierarchy of Human Needs (Maslow) (26)

• A pyramid representing Maslow's hierarchy of needs is shown.

Archaeological Method (27)

• The scarcity of remains from prehistoric times necessitates careful analysis of whatever survives.
• A variety of factors must be considered for possible interpretations.

Anthropological Method (Blanchard and Cheska, 1986). (28)

• Blanchard and Cheska's anthropological theory of sport (1986) focused on early societies and their forms of physical activities.
• They identified social identity, adaptive or ecological significance, and specialisation as evolutionary axes.

Case Study: The "Eskimo Games" (29)

• This case study illustrates the preservation of traditional games in modern contexts by highlighting world Eskimo-Indian Olympics and preservation of cultural traditions.

Physical Activities of Prehistoric Man (a & b) (30)

• Natural system: Activities directly connected to survival needs (e.g., hunting, walking).
• Utilitarian system: Activities not related to economic gain (e.g., dance, rituals).

Hunting in Prehistoric Times (31)

• Hunting was a predominantly male activity, as illustrated in cave art and tools.

Fishing in Prehistoric Times (32)

• Fishing, unlike hunting, often involved men, women, and children.
• Tools and techniques were varied.

Explore the various theories surrounding the origins and understanding of sport in prehistory. This quiz delves into archaeological interpretations, philosophical aspects, and the materialist/Marxist theory, helping you understand how culture influences sport's development. Test your knowledge on the key theorists and challenges identified in this intriguing field.