Physical fitness was vital for the survival of our ancestors.
The need for a robust, active body has withstood time, a quest that the best-selling author @nntaleb would refer to as lindy.
This thread explores the history of physicality amongst ancient civilizations.
The need for a robust, active body has withstood time, a quest that the best-selling author @nntaleb would refer to as lindy.
This thread explores the history of physicality amongst ancient civilizations.
Primitive societies relied on strength since they lacked the tools and technology to fulfill basic needs. Productivity was low in these harsh conditions, and weakness exposed you to an unforgiving nature. You either died of hunger or eaten by a predator. Leaders had to be strong.
Humans organized into cities with the advent of better tools and weapons, which increased productivity. Strength was vital to build the infrastructure and operate the bulky agricultural technology, along with protection and conquest of new territory.
Military officials from Ancient china used strength tests to select soldiers and their strategic positions, more than 2300 years ago. The Qin dynasty instated the ding lift as gold standard, which consisted of lifting a several-hundred-pound or more bronze metal ware overhead.
" Historical records describe Emperor Wu of the Qin dynasty as strong in stature and an admirer of weight lifting performance such that he awarded high posts to strongmen at that time " (Jianping, 2019)
Physical fitness was also the backbone of Ancient Greece's military strength. Spartan children joined the army at 13 and learned the value of discipline and mental toughness for success. Good health was crucial to surviving their service since they could only retire at 60.
Rowing strength-endurance was crucial for naval powers such as Ancient Athens, who had up to 200 triremes at any one time, and with 170 rowers in each ship. A study from the University of Leeds noted that Athenians were likely fitter than modern athletes today.
The Olympic games served to find the greatest athletes in Greece. Winners received large sums of money, along with bragging rights for the champion's City-State.
Physicality was a way to assert dominance of one city over other, and to honor the Gods.
Physicality was a way to assert dominance of one city over other, and to honor the Gods.
The Greco-Roman medical writer Galen divided exercise into 3 categories:
1- Strong: Digging, picking something heavy and walking
2- Rapid: Running, Boxing, throwing/catching a small ball while running
3- Violent: Digging fast, discus throwing jumping repeatedly with no rest
1- Strong: Digging, picking something heavy and walking
2- Rapid: Running, Boxing, throwing/catching a small ball while running
3- Violent: Digging fast, discus throwing jumping repeatedly with no rest
Physicality was a pillar of Ancient Rome, as well.
The stoic philosopher Seneca the Younger lived near the Roman equivalent of a health club. His complaints show how little things have changed.
The stoic philosopher Seneca the Younger lived near the Roman equivalent of a health club. His complaints show how little things have changed.
Physical fitness has become a matter of survival again amidst today's global health crisis. Humans are weaker and sicker than ever, victims not of the harsh conditions of the past, but our progress into the ever-easier reality of modernity.
The healing process starts with you.
The healing process starts with you.
Personal bests happened by hunting larger animals back in the days.
