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L I FT ING THROUGH HI STORY:
WHERE
WEIGHTLIFTING
CAME FROM
TOUCHLINE
FEATURE
W
eight lifting was an activity found in many
ancient societies. We know from a variety
of sources that it was practised in Ancient
China and Mesopotamia. The Greeks, well-known for
their interest in sporting prowess, used lifting as a major
component of their exercise. In fact, several ancient
writers extoll its usefulness in conditioning the body for
war as well as a method for rehabilitation after injury.
Scattered across Europe’s museums, you will find their
weight systems. These are made from hewn stone,
naturally, but have a handle carved into them for ease of
use.
The Romans carried on the Greek bathing system, where
physical fitness played an important role in the daily lives
of both men and women of the period. There are even
mosaics of women using weights that resemble modern-
day dumbbells. Typically, the Romans would lift two rocks,
one in each hand. For both the Greeks and the Romans,
having a good physique was highly advantageous. Both
Ever since there were rocks to lift
and women to impress, men have
been engaged in some form of
weight-lifting. One of the Olympic
Games’ most watched sports,
modern weightlifting comes to us
from the most distant of distant
times. In this edition, Touchline
investigates where the sport came
from and how it evolved into its
modern form.
WR I TES
T IMOTHY MOTTRAM
A 450 BC VASE FROM WURZBURG MUSEUM
DEP I CTS ANC I ENT GREEK WE I GHT L I FT ING
TOUCHLINE
ISSUE 20 | MARCH 2015 |
9