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 up a 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.
