著者

高橋 幸一

出版者

スポーツ史学会

雑誌

スポーツ史研究 (ISSN:09151273)

巻号頁・発行日

vol.29, pp.1-14, 2016 (Released:2017-06-08)

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It can no longer be believed that the Greeks were unique in their agonal spirit. Many scholars argue that competition is typical of ancient societies. The purpose of this paper is to examine sport in the Mycenaean civilization. However, it is necessary to clarify whether the Minoans influenced the Mycenaean sports. Minoan civilization The Minoans mainly practiced bull leaping and boxing. Bull leaping in particular was the most popular sport among the Minoans. The noble participants had to leap over bulls. Though it is supposed that the bull leaping is, like boxing, a kind of competitive sport, there is no certain evidence. On the other hand, the boxers weared a metal helmet protecting the head and face. The purpose of this dangerous boxing is uncertain. We cannot clearly decide whether the boxing and bull leaping are initiation ritual, or secular activity. Some scholars believe that the Minoan sport influenced the Myceaean and Greek sports. The Mycenaeans adopted only the bull sport. The helmeted boxers and bull leaping are unknown in Greek art. Mycenaean civilization Many archaeological evidences confirm the existence of horse-drawn chariots in the ancient Near East, but they were used in war and hunting. Although F. Starke’s new interpretation of the Kikkuli Text was accepted by a few scholars, he wrongly interpreted the Text. Hittites did not enjoy chariot racing. It seems to be possibility that chariot racing was performed by the Myceaeans. However, a few archeological evidences only suggest the sport. The issues of prizes remain unsolved. It is not clear whether the Mycenaean chariot racing influenced Homer. It is clear that sports were part of the funeral ceremony held in honor of the dead. It seems to be reasonable to suppose that the Mycenaeans had funeral games with armed combat, bull leaping and possibly chariot racing. However, some scholars argue that boxing and bull leaping are not funeral game, but initiation ritual in the Aegean civilization. It is the present conditions that opinions about sports in the Mycenaean civilization are argued variously because there is no certain evidence.