FROM COLOSSEUM TO WEMBLEY: ECHOES OF ANCIENT THOUGHTS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF SPORTS IN MODERN FOOTBALL

Abstract

Background. The remarkable popularity of sports competitions is not just a feature of the contemporary times. By studying the past, no matter how distant, it can be observed that sport has always been an integral part of human life, and played an essential role in shaping social, cultural and political landscapes. Today, football has emerged as one of the most popular sport, being played, watched and analyzed every single day worldwide, and has a similar impact on society as the gladiatorial combats had in Antiquity.
Objectives. The main goals of this essay are to explore the connections between ancient writings about sports competitions and the implications that football has on contemporary life, and to highlight the similarities between the both cases.
Method. Regarding the method, there were selected three ancient authors, Aristotle, Juvenal and Suetonius and then there were analyzed some of their writings and beliefs about sports and physical activity that can be linked with football. These authors have been chosen because they were citizens of international and influential powers, they had different professions and they were deeply interested in the nature of sports and its impact on individuals and societies.
Results. The study reveals several important similarities between ancient thoughts on sports competitions and the modern relevance of football. Aristotle’s philosophical works focus on the physical and moral benefits of sports, Juvenal’s satirical writings highlight the social impact of athletic competitions and Suetonius’s historical descriptions shed light on the political significance of sports in ancient times. All those ideas can be linked with modern football, considering the health benefits associated with this sport, its social impact and its relation with the politics fields.
Conclusion. This essay demonstrates that ancient ideas about sports continue to resonate today in modern football. Many of the ancient sports aspects are still relevant in the contemporary era. Through this study, can be encouraged the further reflection on the massive significance of sports in human culture.