Transcript The History of the Study of Human Movement Chapter 2

The History of the Study of
Human Movement
Chapter 2
Table of Contents
Why Study the History of Human
Movement?
 Past Influences
 Enduring Themes
 Modern European Themes
 Modern North American Themes

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Objectives

Having a historical frame of reference is
important for understanding kinesiology
 Describe the major historical landmarks in
the evolution of the study of human
movement
 Describe cultural attitudes and practices,
individuals, and events that have most
influenced the study of human movement
in higher education
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Why Study the History of Movement?
The History of Human Movement

Kinesiology students
can:
 gain
a historical frame of
reference
 understand the impact
of early events on
current affairs
 predict future trends
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Past Influences on the Study of Human
Movement in Higher Education
Early Influences
Movements were culturally specific
 Physical abilities were used to engage
in useful activities:

 gathering
of food
 hunting
 necessary
physical labor for survival
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Early Influences
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New activities begin to emerge:
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hunting and fighting become complex
now require training and preparation
rhythmic movement at festivals
communal dances
trials of strength and combative ability
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Early Influences
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Simple forms of sporting contests in
pastoral and agricultural societies:
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running races
wrestling
boxing
shooting contests
fencing with various weapons
 jumping
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throwing
 swimming
 rowing
 riding animals
 chariot racing
 various ball games

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The Greek Influence
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6th to 9th century B.C.:
 daily
activities balanced
 sport played large role in everyday life

By the 9th century:
 physical
activities extended beyond battle
 gymnasiums and wrestling schools built
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The Greek Influence

Early 6th century B.C.:
 Panhellenic
games established
 the
Isthmian, the Pythian, the Nemean
 games also held at the religious sanctuary of
Olympia

register dates back to 776 B.C.
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The Greek Influence
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Athletic emphasis at games:
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foot racing
the pentathlon
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jumping
discus
javelin
a one-stage foot race
wrestling
heavy events
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boxing
 wrestling
 pankration
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combined wrestling and boxing
chariot racing
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The Greek Influence
All games featured balance between
athletics, music, poetry, and drama
 Fostered political democracy
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 citizen
athletes could improve their upward
mobility
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Competitive activity accompanied by
rhythm and harmony of music and
dance
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The Roman Age
Emphasis on the physical centered on
strength and hardiness
 Roman emperors promoted games and
festivals

 purpose
was to occupy and appease
Roman subjects
 often brutal, spectator-oriented
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