Terracotta Figurine of a Greco-Roman Ball Player
source: Wikimedia Commons
author: Jastrow
Description
A terracotta figurine depicts a nude man holding a baseball-sized ball above his head. His left foot is attached to a platform, and his right foot and left hand are missing. The figurine bears signs of wear and aging.
Date
Artifact: 3rd century BC
Photo: 2008
Information
This small terracotta statue, discovered in Corinth, depicts a Greek or Roman man playing a ball game. While this could depict a simple game of catch, the man may be playing the Greek sport episkyros or Roman harpastum.
Related Articles
Greek Episkyros | Roman Harpastum | History of Ball Sports | History of Soccer
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Crowther, N. B. (2007). Sport in ancient times. Westport, CT: Praeger.
Harris, H. A. (1972). Sport in Greece and Rome. Cornell University Press.
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