Body and Mind: Sport in Europe from the Roman Empire to the Renaissance (Sport in the Global Society)

This is the first book to address the gap in the literature linking the physical culture of the ancient world with the beginnings of modern sport, this original book traces the history of the evolution of a variety of sport, games and physical education from 450-1650AD across Western Europe. Drawing on primary sources, this book takes a thematic approach, looking at the changing nature of geopolitical structures, educational systems, religious institutions and the practice of warfare and medicine and goes on to trace the disappearance of ancient physical culture with its gymnasia, gladiators and chariot races, the invention of a new physical culture based on chivalry around 1000AD, the transformation of that culture in the Renaissance, and its disappearance around 1650 under the influences of new science. Offering a new and original perspective on the relationship between sport and society, this unique study will be of great interest to all historians of sport and culture. Body And Mind : Sport In Europe From The Roman Empire To The Renaissance Traces The Evolution Of Sport In Western Europe From The Arenas And Chariot Races Of The Early Modern Period, To The Triumph Of Personal Decorum And Scientific Rationalism In The Seventeenth Century. Offering A New And Original Perspective On The Relationship Between Sport And Society, This Unique Study Will Be Of Great Interest To All Historians Of Sport And Culture.--jacket. Preface -- Timelines, Historiography, Definitions -- Sport In The Forgotten Centuries (1): The Primary Sources To 600 Ad -- Sport In The Forgotten Centuries (2): The Primary Sources 600?1700 -- The Sports, The Athletes, The Material Setting. -- Tourneying And Jousting -- Sport In The Service Of The Res Publica -- Athletics Within The Social Fabric -- Epilogue: From The Renaissance Into The Age Of Science And Reason -- Bibliography -- Index. John Mcclelland. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [140]-178) And Index. John McClelland attempts to link the physical culture of the ancient world with the beginnings of modern sport, tracing the history of the evolution of a variety of games and physical education across Western Europe, from 450 to 1650 Describes and analyzes the varieties of sport, games and physical education practiced in Western Europe between 450-1650 AD in their historical and cultural context.