No matter your definition of football -- whether it's rugby-style or what is called soccer in the United States, the ancient origins of football are in Egypt, Greece and China. The term football means a game people play by using their feet to get around, as opposed to being on horseback. Having gained popularity during the Middle Ages as a competitive team sport, football has evolved into a worldwide pastime.
Egyptians
The Football Network website notes that historians believe that the Egyptians played the game as early as 1800 B.C.. adding that "ball games in Egypt were linked to fertility rites and religious ceremonies." According to the Egypt State Information Service website, depictions of football games were engraved on temple walls discovered by Greek researcher Herodotus of Halicarnassus when he visited Egypt about 400 B.C.
Greeks
The Football Network website notes that historians believe the Greeks played a version of football called Episkyro as early as 800 B.C. One of the basic rules of Episkyro was that you used your hands, related it to rugby or American football rather than soccer. A notable similarity with modern football is that teams consisted of up of 12 players. However, the Greeks also played Harpastron, which translates to "handball." According to the Football Network, Episkyro and Harpastron influenced Roman games.
Romans
The Greek games of Episkyro and Harpastron eventually evolved into the Roman game of Harpastum. Although similar in name, Harpastum added the component of kicking the ball to score points, and players could use both hands and feet. The Football Network website states that the "Harpastum ball was made from a stitched-leather skin and stuffed with sponge or animal fur." The site also notes that Julius Caesar and his generals used the games to promote military training and physical fitness.
Chinese
Chinese Tsu Chu dates back to 255 B.C. but some experts believe it could date to 3,000 B.C. notes the Football Network website. The game Tsu Chu -- commonly spelled "cuju" -- exists in military manuals used during the Tsin Dynasty -- 255 to 206 B.C. Tsu Chu was part of a physical education program to train soldiers. Military manuals of the time show a listing for 'zuqui' -- exactly translated to "football" -- as equipment needed for Tsu Chu.
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