History,CuriositiesNOV 5, 2025

“A Necessary Sacrifice”: 41 Of The Most Brutal Ancient Sports Explained

Eligijus Sinkunas, Louise Pieterse, Indrė Lukošiūtė and Robyn Smith

When you think of extreme sports, what comes to mind? Perhaps skydiving, parachuting, big wave surfing or even base jumping? Today's adrenalin junkies face their fair share of risks. But they pale in comparison to what some of our ancestors endured in the name of fun.

Sport back then was filled with pain, brutality and chaos. And many spectators craved violence in the way modern fans wish for overtime or penalties. An event often wasn’t even worth watching unless it ended with someone being carried off the pitch, sometimes to their grave.

One of the wildest parts is that brutal games weren't seen as barbaric. They were sacred, celebrated, and many times, a ticket to glory. To many ancient civilizations, pain was the price of honor. And any blood spilled was a symbol of devotion, power or divinity.

Bored Panda has put together an epic list of some of the most hectic, ancient extreme sports, for you to scroll through before the next big league match. We also explore why some people are drawn to dangerous sports. You'll find that info between the images.

#1 A Sacrificial Game From The Mayans

The Mesoamerican ballgame, originating with the Olmecs over 3,500 years ago, was a high-stakes sport with deep religious meaning. Players on I-shaped stone courts would strike a solid, heavy rubber ball, sometimes weighing up to nine pounds, using only their hips, thighs, or forearms. While the exact rules are not fully known, a later version of the game involved getting the ball through a high stone hoop, which would result in an automatic win. This was more than just a game; it was a ritual performance that could be used to resolve conflicts and, in some cases, ended with the sacrifice of the losing team to the gods.

Kare Thor Olsen, wikipedia.org

Report

19points

The world could be divided into two distinct groups of people: the risk-takers and those who prefer to play it safe. The first group is a lot bigger than you might think.

According to Business Insider, an estimated 490 million people take part in extreme sports globally. Things like base jumping, free solo climbing, big wave surfing and downhill mountain biking, have gained mainstream popularity in recent years.

While it was once believed that participation in such sports purely had to do with thrill-seeking or adrenalin addiction, it appears there's a lot more at play...

#2 Mongolian Wrestling

As one of Mongolia's "Three Manly Arts," the traditional wrestling style of Bökh is a pure test of strength where there are no weight classes, so a small competitor could be matched against a massive opponent. The goal is simple: force any part of your rival's upper body, knee, or elbow to touch the ground. Clad in a distinct open-chested vest and briefs, wrestlers perform a ritual "eagle dance" before grappling in matches that have no time limits and end only when one man is brought down.

hu:Burumbátor, historycollection.com

Report

18points

#3 Bridge Battles In Venice

The famous bridges of medieval Venice served as the battlegrounds for a uniquely brutal local tradition. Rival factions of working-class men would meet on a bridge and engage in a mass brawl with the sole purpose of throwing their opponents into the canal below. These stick-and-fist fights were so vicious, resulting in everything from knocked-out teeth to crippled legs, that they were proudly staged for visiting dignitaries. The spectacle prompted visiting French King Henry III to famously remark that it was "too small to be a real war and too cruel to be a game.”

Joseph Heintz the Younger, wikipedia.org

Report

17points

An article in The Conversation defines an extreme sport as one in which a mismanaged mistake or accident would result in serious injury or loss of life.

"Extreme sports are a series of sports disciplines that take place in environments where the physical demand and the level of skill reach high levels. They are characterised by a significant degree of uncertainty, whether due to speed, height, adverse environmental conditions or exposure to extreme environmental factors," explains the Universidad Europea site. "Unlike other types of sport, these activities require absolute control of the body, meticulous planning and an exhaustive knowledge of safety measures."

The university has a specialized Degree in Physical Activity Sciences and Sport where students can master the skills needed to teach or take part in extreme sports.

#4 Jousting

More than just a theatrical display for medieval nobility, jousting was a brutal sport with very real consequences, even for kings. In 1536, King Henry VIII was unhorsed and crushed by his own armored steed, leaving him with a festering leg wound and a suspected brain injury that may have triggered his infamous paranoia and tyranny. This wasn't an isolated incident, as the "sport of kings" also proved fatal for King Henry II of France, who perished after a lance splinter pierced his eye during a tournament.

Unknown author, wikipedia.org

Report

16points

#5 Ancient Minoans Passed Their Time On Bulls

On the ancient island of Crete, the Minoans revered bulls not by fighting them, but by vaulting over them in a perilous sport known as bull leaping. This acrobatic ritual required athletes to grab a charging bull by its horns, use its momentum to flip onto its back, and then dismount with a final somersault. Unlike later bull sports, the goal was to showcase human courage and agility without harming the animal. Historians still debate whether these performers were high-status men proving their valor or a specialized class of athletes who trained for the spectacle.

Heraklion Archaeological Museum, wikipedia.org

Report

16points

#6 Fisherman Jousting Along The Nile River

Ancient Egyptian fishermen turned the Nile River into a competitive arena for a spontaneous and perilous game known as fisherman jousting. Two boats would approach each other, where the men would use their long punting poles as weapons to swipe at their rivals. The objective was simply to knock an opponent into the water, a victory that was especially dangerous since many of the fishermen never learned how to swim.

Charles Wilkinson, ancient-origins.net

Report

16points

As mentioned earlier, participation in extreme sports is about more than just thrill seeking or craving adrenalin. According to The Conversation, it also fosters connection.

"Participants often describe feeling at one with nature and free from the constraints of everyday life," notes the site. "Many also find a deep sense of belonging in the extreme sports community and are driven by the desire to push their personal boundaries."

Another reason people choose to jump off bridges, surf wild waves or leap out of planes might surprise you... The outlet reveals that many use extreme sports as a tool to regulate difficult emotions. "This is particularly true for those with alexithymia, which is when people struggle to identify and express their feelings," it explains.

#7 Pankration From Ancient Greece

In ancient Greece, Pankration was the ultimate "no-holds-barred" combat sport, essentially a wild blend of boxing and wrestling introduced to the Olympic Games in 648 BC. Competitors could punch, kick, and use grappling holds like chokes and joint locks, with the only real rules being a strict ban on biting and eye-gouging. A match only ended when one fighter surrendered (often by raising a finger to signal defeat) was knocked unconscious, or in some extreme cases, lost their life in the process.

Daderot, wikipedia.org

Report

15points

#8 Pasuckuakohowog Was Played By 1000 People At Once

Imagine a version of soccer where the field could be miles long and teams might have up to 1,000 players, and you have Pasuckuakohowog. This game, played by Native American tribes like the Algonquin, was a chaotic and rugged affair with very few rules. Players could kick, carry, and throw the ball toward goals that were often a half-mile apart. The intense matches were used not just for recreation but also to train warriors and settle tribal disputes, sometimes lasting for several days.

George Catlin, wikipedia.org

Report

15points

#9 Naumachia Was Played In Flooded Arenas

Ancient Rome's idea of grand entertainment went far beyond the Colosseum with the creation of Naumachia, massive naval battles staged in flooded arenas. First organized on a spectacular scale by Julius Caesar, these events used thousands of prisoners of war as combatants and rowers aboard real warships. They would then fight, reenacting famous historical sea battles until one side's fleet was completely sunk for the crowd's amusement.

Lauro, Giacomo, wikipedia.org

Report

15points

While some might think of adrenalin junkies as reckless, research shows the opposite is true.

"Participants are often highly calculated about the risks they take. They thrive on managing risk, finding excitement in navigating dangerous situations rather than avoiding them," says Odette Hornby, an expert in Sports Psychology.

#10 Shin Kicking From Ancient England

The English sport of shin kicking is a straightforward and brutal contest of pain tolerance with rules that are exactly what the name implies. Two competitors face each other, grab hold of their opponent's collar, and then proceed to kick each other squarely in the shins. While competitors traditionally stuff their trousers with straw for a bit of padding, the match only ends when one person gives up from the sheer agony.

Unknown author, historycollection.com

Report

15points

#11 Pasola

What looks like a mounted battle with wooden spears is actually a celebratory festival called Pasola on the Indonesian island of Sumba. This event, rooted in a local legend about a heartbroken husband, is held to honor the start of the rice planting season. The ritual combat continues until blood is spilled, a necessary sacrifice believed to satisfy the ancestors and ensure a bountiful harvest. Although in ancient times losing one's life in the game was considered a high honor, participants now use blunted spears, making the event far less dangerous.

Fakhri Anindita, historycollection.com

Report

15points

#12 Tewaarathon Was An Extreme Lacrosse Game

Known among the Haudenosaunee people as the "Creator's Game," Tewaarathon was the original, sprawling ancestor of modern lacrosse. Vast teams, sometimes numbering in the hundreds or even thousands, would compete on fields that could stretch for several miles, with games lasting for days. More than just a sport, it was a sacred ritual used to settle tribal disputes and prepare young men for combat, earning it the nickname the "little brother of war" due to its intense and often violent nature.

George Catlin, historicgeneva.org

Report

14points

Hornby adds that the "drive to succeed" plays a big role in why people take part in extreme sports. Participation in extreme sport is no different from that of more traditional sport, she says. Meaning that many athletes are motivated by setting clear goals, regardless of sport they take part in.

"Goal setting boosts confidence and helps them persist through challenges," writes the expert. "Participants also often feel a strong sense of control over their activities and find a sense of community with like-minded people."

#13 Gladiator Fights In Ancient Rome

Gladiator contests were the blockbuster entertainment of ancient Rome, pitting highly trained combatants, who were often slaves or prisoners, against each other in massive arenas. These weren't just chaotic brawls; fighters specialized in distinct styles, such as the Retiarius with his net and trident or the heavily armed Secutor. Gladiators were expensive investments, and a crowd-pleasing performance could earn a defeated fighter mercy and the chance to fight another day.

Jean-Léon Gérôme, wikipedia.org

Report

14points

#14 Medieval Tournament Melee

Forget the one-on-one chivalry of jousting; the medieval melee tournament was a full-blown team brawl where two sides of armored knights clashed in a chaotic free-for-all. The primary objective was not necessarily to take a life but to capture opponents who could then be held for a profitable ransom. Even with blunted weapons, the sheer violence of the scrum meant that serious injuries and casualties were common, making it a lucrative yet perilous form of military training disguised as a sport.

Unknown author, wikipedia.org

Report

14points

#15 Bare-Knuckle Boxing

Before padded gloves and timed rounds, bare-knuckle boxing reigned as a raw and grueling test of endurance. Popularized in 18th-century England, a round didn't end until a fighter was knocked to the ground, after which he had a short window to recover and continue. This unique rule set meant matches were often marathons of attrition, with some legendary bouts lasting for hours and stretching over 70 rounds, ending only when one man could no longer stand.

George Cruickshank, wikipedia.org

Report

14points

#16 The Early Form Of Savate

Before it evolved into the elegant sport of French kickboxing, the early form of Savate was a gritty street-fighting method developed in the back alleys of 19th-century Paris. Its name literally means "old shoe," a nod to its most important feature: using the heavy footwear of the day to deliver brutal, low kicks. The hands were used almost exclusively for defense or open-handed slaps, as the system was designed for self-preservation, not a regulated match.

Théophile Gautier , wikipedia.org

Report

14points

#17 Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling And Wake

Every year in Gloucestershire, England, hundreds of competitors gather at the top of the treacherously steep Cooper's Hill for the annual Cheese Rolling event. A nine-pound wheel of Double Gloucester cheese is sent tumbling down the slope, and the participants then hurl themselves down after it in a chaotic free-for-all. The first person to reach the bottom of the hill wins the cheese, though victory almost always involves an uncontrolled tumble and a significant risk of sprains, fractures, and other injuries.

Dave Farrance, wikipedia.org

Report

14points

#18 Yabusame

Combining incredible equestrian skill with pinpoint archery, Yabusame is a traditional Japanese ritual where an archer on a galloping horse attempts to shoot three wooden targets. Dating back to the samurai era, this highly disciplined art is more of a religious ceremony performed at Shinto shrines than a competitive sport. The archer uses special turnip-shaped arrows that are designed to whistle as they fly, and successfully hitting all three targets is considered a great honor and a sign of divine favor.

unknown author, wikipedia.org

Report

14points

#19 Tchung-Kee A.K.A. Chunkey

The Native American game of Chunkey was a contest of precision and anticipation played on long, smoothed clay courts. One player would roll a polished, disc-shaped stone, and as it traveled, other competitors would throw their spears to predict where the stone would finally come to rest. While the game itself was far less violent than many ancient sports, the real danger lay in the high-stakes gambling that surrounded it, as it was common for players to wager all of their possessions on the outcome of a single throw.

George Catlin (1796–1872) , historycollection.com

Report

14points

#20 Florentine Calcio Storico

A brutal mix of soccer, rugby, and bare-knuckle brawling, Florentine Calcio Storico is a historical sport still played today in Florence, Italy. Two teams of 27 players, clad in historical attire, face off on a sand-covered square with the simple goal of getting a ball into the opposing net. To achieve this, nearly any tactic is permitted, including punching, kicking, and wrestling, making the annual event a famously chaotic and punishing spectacle of civic pride.

Stradanus, wikipedia.org

Report

13points

“A Necessary Sacrifice”: 41 Of The Most Brutal Ancient Sports Explained

#1 A Sacrificial Game From The Mayans

#2 Mongolian Wrestling

#3 Bridge Battles In Venice

#4 Jousting

#5 Ancient Minoans Passed Their Time On Bulls

#6 Fisherman Jousting Along The Nile River

#7 Pankration From Ancient Greece

#8 Pasuckuakohowog Was Played By 1000 People At Once

#9 Naumachia Was Played In Flooded Arenas

#10 Shin Kicking From Ancient England

#11 Pasola

#12 Tewaarathon Was An Extreme Lacrosse Game

#13 Gladiator Fights In Ancient Rome

#14 Medieval Tournament Melee

#15 Bare-Knuckle Boxing

#16 The Early Form Of Savate

#17 Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling And Wake

#18 Yabusame

#19 Tchung-Kee A.K.A. Chunkey

#20 Florentine Calcio Storico

Poll Question

Do you think modern extreme sports capture the same level of intensity as ancient brutal games?

Poll Question

Do you think modern extreme sports capture the same level of intensity as ancient brutal games?