Physical Sports

• Archeological evidence exists, as well as ancient writings, to support the claim that young men in ancient Greece participated in physical sports. They practiced running, jumping, and throwing javelins and the discus. They also played a type of field hockey, called episkyros, which was much like modern-day rugby. They also played a form of basketball. Another popular activity was rolling, or bowling, with wooden hoops. Ephedrismos was a game much that looked much like modern-day piggyback, only the person carrying the rider could hold onto only one their legs and had to walk with their knees bent. The carrier also had to try to touch a stone without the rider falling over. Much of the children's play was devoted to preparing the boys for the Olympic Games as well as to be soldiers.
  
  

Less Active Games

• Even though physical activities were encouraged, the Greeks also played board games like checkers, as well as less active games such as marbles and dice. They also played knucklebones, a precursor to the popular game of jacks. They also played morra, a game in which two players try to guess how many fingers his opponent has hidden behind his back.
  
  

Games for Girls

• Although physical activity was considered very important for a young male's growth and development, Greek girls were not encouraged to exercise. They didn't engage in much playful physical exercise as they would never be soldiers or Olympic contestants. However, they did throw balls and bowl with hoops like their male counterparts. Some learned to juggle.
  
  

Modern Games

• Modern-day children can engage in sports and physical activities that are much the same as those their ancient Greek counterparts played. These could be used as hands-on learning activities when studying about the ancient Greek culture.