Football, also known as soccer in some parts of the world, is a sport that has captured the hearts of millions globally. It is a game that is as much about precision, technique, and strategy, as it is about unity, passion, and often, national pride. But did you know that this universally adored sport has its roots in a 2,000-year-old game? Today, we dive deep into the game’s history, exploring how it originated from ‘Cuju’, an ancient Chinese sport, and evolved over centuries into the modern football we know today.
How It All Began: Cuju, The Ancient Football
The genesis of football can be traced back to the Han Dynasty in China, which reigned from 206 BC to 220 AD. It was during these years that a lively game known as ‘Cuju’ gained widespread popularity. Often translated as ‘kick-ball’, Cuju players used a leather ball filled with feathers and hair and aimed to pass it through a small opening into a net, without the use of their hands. The playing field was marked by lines on the ground, similar to modern football pitches.