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ATTACKING SKILLS DRIBBLING
Running with the ball at the feet is known
The attacking team is the one in as dribbling. It is a vital skill required to
possession of the ball and which beat an opponent.
moves towards the opponent’s
goal. The players aim to pass the
ball to each other and create a
goal-scoring opportunity. They
have to work together and try
to avoid the opposing team.
Here are some of the key ball
skills attacking players need.

SHOOTING CROSSING HEADING

If a player is in a position to A pass from the edge of Heading the ball can be an
score a goal, he or she will the pitch to the centre is attacking or defensive skill.
shoot. He or she can use called a cross. A cross Heading the ball with the
the inside or outside of the into the penalty area is middle of the forehead gives
foot, but the top (instep) will hard to defend and can maximum power and control,
produce the hardest shot. often lead to a goal. and avoids injury.

OVERHEAD KICK 1 LIFT OFF 2 SCISSOR MOTION 3 STRIKE THE BALL
Raise your non- As you start to fall When your back
This is a really
impressive way to
score a goal. However,
it is also a very difficult
skill to master. A player
has his or her back
to the goal and must
time the kick perfectly.
It is best to practise this
kick on soft ground to
prevent injury.

kicking leg in the air backwards, bring your is parallel to the

and push off with kicking leg up. Your other ground, strike the

the other foot. leg should fall back to back of the ball with

the ground. the top of your foot.

DEFENDING SKILLS TACKLING MARKING INTERCEPTION GOALKEEPING

The team without the ball must A defender can use his or her feet to By staying close to his or her By marking a player closely or guessing The goalkeeper is the last line of defence.
do everything it can to stop its take the ball away from the attacker. opponent, a defender might be able where an attacker is going to pass the He or she can use any part of the body to
opponent from scoring a goal. Known as a tackle, timing is very to prevent the attacking team making ball, a defender may intercept it. He or prevent a goal. Goalkeepers need to be
Here are some of the skills important. If the defender kicks the a pass or even intercept the ball. she can then start an attack for their strong, agile, and able to react quickly
a team may use to regain player instead of the ball, it is a foul. This is known as marking. own team. when the ball is struck at them.
possession of the ball or prevent
the other team from scoring a
goal. Once the defending team
has won the ball, it becomes
the attacking team.

DEAD-BALL CORNER THROW-IN FREE KICK PENALTY
SKILLS
If a defender When the ball crosses the If a player commits a foul If a player from the defending
Corners, throw-ins, free kicks the ball over touchline, whichever team outside the penalty area, the team commits a foul inside the
kicks, and penalties are all the goal line, the kicked the ball last loses other team will be awarded a penalty area, the attacking team
dead-ball situations known attacking team is possession. The other team free kick. The closer this kick is is awarded a penalty – a one-on-
as “set-pieces”. Teams will awarded a corner. can then throw the ball and to the goal, the greater chance the one shot against the goalkeeper.
spend a lot of time practising It is taken from the begin an attack. attacking team has of scoring.
set-pieces as they are good nearest corner arc.
goal-scoring opportunities.

PENALTIES WHERE TO AIM YOUR PENALTY HOW TO STRIKE THE BALL

Here are the best Goalkeeper is likely to Goalkeeper may be Goalkeeper is
places to aim for save, unless he or she able to save if shot highly unlikely
if you want to score dives too early. struck weakly. to save.
a penalty, and the
different ways you could PASS THE BALL CHIP THE BALL POWER SHOT
strike the ball. Even if This type of penalty is best for Only a confident player should A powerfully struck
the goalkeeper guesses accuracy. However, striking try this shot, which is aimed up penalty will always beat the
where you will shoot, he the ball in this manner could and over the goalkeeper. This goalkeeper – if it is on target.
or she is unlikely to be produce a weak shot that the shot also requires great skill However, increased power
able to save it – unless goalkeeper could easily save. to get it on target. also means less accuracy.
the shot is weak.

249

American football THE GAME

Also known as gridiron in some countries, American Two teams of 11 players compete during four periods of play
football is one of the most popular sports in the United (known as “quarters”). The aim is to score points by advancing
States. Professional football (the NFL) and college football an oval ball into an opponent’s end zone (to score a touchdown)
are the most popular forms of the game. or by kicking it through the goal posts (to score a field goal).

15 15
15 15

LASTS 4 QUARTERS OF HAS 2 TEAMS OF
60 MINUTES 15 MINUTES 11 PLAYERS

Helmet EQUIPMENT SCORING POINTS

Face American football is a full-contact sport. Every part of the body needs The objective in American football is to score more points
mask to be protected against charging players. A helmet is the most vital than the opposition. Points can be scored in five ways.
piece of kit, as head clashes in a game are common. Players also
wear body armour worn over soft shock-pads, which absorb any hard TOUCHDOWN
blows; this gives them a top-heavy appearance.
A touchdown is scored if a team advances the ball into the opponent’s
Shoulder Arm guard Neck guard end zone. The ball can either be run over the line or passed to a team-
pad mate in the end zone. A touchdown is the game’s most valuable
scoring play, worth six points.
Chest pad
POINT AFTER TOUCHDOWN
Hip protector
After a touchdown, a team can score an extra point by kicking the ball
Thigh pad PADDING THE BALL through the goal posts.
The ball is oval in shape. It
Knee A range of pads can be worn to is 28 cm (11 in) long, has a TWO POINT CONVERSION
protector protect specific parts of the body. circumference of 71 cm
The sort of protection a player (28 in) at its widest point, Teams do not have to opt for a kick after scoring a touchdown.
wears often depends on the and weighs 425 g (15 oz). Instead, they could opt to score a try. In this instance, the team has
position in which he or she plays. a single play to score a touchdown. If successful, the team is awarded
Defence an extra two points.

120 yd (109 m) FIELD GOAL

A field goal is scored when the ball is kicked through the goal posts.
It is worth three points.

SAFETY

A safety, worth two points, is awarded if an opponent is tackled or
spills the ball in his own end zone and it goes out of play.

THE FOOTBALL FIELD 53 yd (49 m)

The football field is bounded by long sidelines and Official End line
shorter end lines, forming a large rectangle. End zones
are located at either end of the field. The 100 yd (91 m)
area in between is divided by lines that cross the field
every 5 yd (4.9 m). Most fields are covered in grass,
but some have an artificial surface.

THIOTESFC“LRGIINSRESIDS-CIGRRIOOVNSE”SSNPTAIHCTEKTFNEIRAENLMDE Gridiron
Quarterback pattern

10 yd (9 m)

Safety zone Sideline Goal line

GOAL POSTS 5.6 m (18.5 ft)

End zone The goal posts are positioned 13.4 m (44 ft)
at the back of the end zone. 10.7 m (35 ft) 3 m (10 ft)
Padding at The offence can kick a field goal
base of post (three points) or a conversion
after a touchdown (one point).
Goalpost The base is padded to protect the
players. An orange ribbon on
the top of each post helps
kickers gauge the direction
and strength of the wind.

Offence

250

10 YARDS AT A TIME PLAYS

Territory and possession of the ball are the keys to success in American football. American football is punctuated by a series of plays, or downs.
The team in possession of the ball is called the offence. It has four chances, called Offensive plays aim to advance the ball towards the opponents’
“downs”, to advance the ball 10 yd (9 m) towards the opponent’s end zone, either by end zone. Defensive plays aim to stop the offence moving forwards.
running with the ball or by throwing it. If successful, the offensive team is awarded Some of the most well-known plays are described below.
another four downs. If it fails to advance 10 yd (9 m), or if it loses possession of the
ball during a play, possession of the ball passes to the defensive team.

BASIC DEFENCE SS WR OT G C G OT TE WR WR OT G C G OT TE WR
QB
The aim of the defence is to stop the offence from LB LB LB QB
gaining the 10 yd (9 m) they require to gain four new CB CB FB
downs. Many teams use a formation called the 4-3 FB
defence, in which four defensive linesmen line up in DE DT DT DE TB
front of the three linebackers. Two safeties play TB
behind to stop longer passes and runs, while two HAIL MARY
cornerbacks are positioned to cover any passes TAILBACK OFF-TACKLE The Hail Mary is a passing play in which the
made to the wide receivers. The tailback off-tackle is the most common quarterback throws a long ball towards one of
running play in offence. The quarterback a number of receivers. The play is often used
There are five positions in defence: hands the ball to the tailback, who runs as a last resort by a trailing team towards the
DE Defensive end through a hole created by the offensive end of the game.
DT Defensive tackle tackle and the tight end.
LB Linebacker
CB Cornerback
S Safety

BASIC OFFENCE TE OT G C G OT WR OT G C G OT TE WR CB LB CB
WR QB WR
The “Standard I Formation” is a common attacking QB DT DT LB
play using five offensive linesmen. The “I” refers to FB
the line formed by the quarterback, fullback, and TB FB DE LB DE
tailback, or running back. A tight end lines up on one
side, with a wide receiver at each end. TB SS

There are eight positions in offence: SWEEP THE BLITZ
WR Wide receiver The sweep is an organized offensive running
TE Tight end play in which a tailback receives the ball The blitz is a defensive tactic used to combat
OT Offensive tackle from the quarterback and then runs parallel passing plays. The aim is to put the opposition
G Guard to the line of scrimmage. This gives the quarterback under pressure by swamping the
C Centre fullback and offensive linesman time to offence with defenders.
QB Quarterback create a gap for the tailback.
FB Fullback
TB Tailback, or running back SPOMGONWAORAMORTVEIRENLESTGDRPHAEL–AGCE6NATE8,AG,AT3TUNH3OE1EYRIISNNONFPTT2LEHH0RHE1ERA4 S REFEREE’S SIGNALS

KEY SKILLS If a rule is broken during the course of a
game, an official will bring play to a halt
Different positions require different by waving a yellow flag. The referee then
skills. For example, quarterbacks need conveys the decision by using a hand signal
to be good at throwing; wide receivers and making an announcement.
must have lightning acceleration and be
able to catch the ball; and defenders Defender INTERFERENCE FIRST DOWN
must be excellent tacklers and blockers. Wide receiver
A penalty in which a The offence advances
PASSING THE BALL player has interfered 10 yd (9 m) within four
One of the most important duties of a quarterback is with another player downs, so a new series
to pass the ball to a receiver. A strong, accurate pass during a play. of downs is called.
is vital, as the quarterback may have to throw the ball
over a long distance.

Quarterback

Centre

2 THE PASS CATCHING
After collecting the
All wide receivers must be able
ball, the quarterback to catch the ball thrown by the
quarterback. They sometimes
grips the ball by the do this running at full speed,
and often while having to fight
laces and passes it off a defender.

1 THE SNAP point first. The ball is FALSE START OFFSIDE
The centre snaps the ball
spun as it is thrown, This is called when a A defensive player is on
member of the offence the wrong side of the
through his legs to the quarterback. making it fly straight. moves illegally before line of scrimmage at the
the ball is snapped. start of play.

Kicker Offensive player

KICKING Holder DEFENCE Defensive
player
All American football teams have a The main task of a defender
specialist kicker. His or her role is is to prevent the offensive HOLDING ILLEGAL BALL
to kick for field goals or for the side from advancing with
extra point following a touchdown. the ball. He or she can do A penalty in which TOUCH
For a field goal attempt, the holder this by tackling the a player of either A penalty in which the
stands 7 yd (6 m) behind the centre, offensive player who is side has illegally ball is illegally touched,
who snaps the ball to him. The carrying the ball. held an opponent. kicked, or batted.
holder catches the ball and sets it
up for the kicker. The kicker steps
forwards and swings his foot
through the ball, aiming to send
it between the goal posts.

251

Baseball THE GAME

Baseball is played in more than 100 countries around Two teams take it in turns to bat and field. The batting team
the world, including China, Japan, Venezuela, and Cuba. tries to score “runs” by hitting the ball and then running around
However, the game is often mostly closely associated four bases. The fielding team tries to get the batting team “out”
with the USA, where it is one of the most popular sports. (stop it scoring runs). Three “outs” ends the inning and the
team with the most runs after nine innings wins.

NO TIME 9 TURNS (INNINGS) EACH, 2 TEAMS OF
RESTRICTION PLUS EXTRA IF SCORE IS TIED 9 PLAYERS

EQUIPMENT BALL Red CATCHER’S MASK
stitching
The most essential equipment for a A baseball has a tough Face and head
game of baseball is, of course, the rubber and cork core, protection is essential
bat and the ball. As the ball can travel surrounded by red
at speeds of up to 160 km/h (100 mph), cotton wool and for catchers. Batters
some safety gear is also required. covered with two also wear helmets to
strips of leather.
protect their heads.

The barrel – where the 7.5 cm (3 in) Tapered handle
batter strikes the ball Up to 101.5 cm (42 in)
BAT
GLOVES
Professional bats Fielders wear a large, padded
are made from leather glove to make it easier
wood and usually and safer to catch the ball. The
weigh up to catcher also has a special mitt.
1 kg (2.2 lb).
Backstop
THE FIELD SIFOAFBABRAARCUSTATNETLHSELAAERIRTNDOHHOAUITENNHSOEDOTRGMAHOSLEEH,LIBRETTAUCHILNSAELN HOME PLATE net
Players’
The playing area is divided into the infield and dugout To hit the ball, the batter
the outfield. The infield is also known as the stands in a batter’s box
“diamond” and is where the batter, pitcher, Second next to the home plate,
and catcher all stand. It also contains the base which also serves as
four bases and some fielders. The rest of the fourth base.
the fielders stand in the outfield area.
Coach’s box Pitcher’s
Foul pole First base mound

Foul line

Warning track 27.5 m (90 ft)

27.5 m (90 ft) 18.5 m (60.5 ft)

Infield/outfield PITCHER’S MOUND Third
boundary base
The pitcher stands
WHO’S WHO? on a raised mound,
up to 25.5 cm (10 in)
BATTER higher than the
Each team has home plate.
a line-up of
nine batters.

CATCHER
If the batter does not
hit the ball, the catcher
is there to catch it.

INFIELDERS
There are four infielders:
shortstop, plus first, second,
and third basemen.

OUTFIELDERS
The three outfielders take up
positions in the left, right, and
centre of the outfield.

PITCHER
The pitcher’s job is to throw (pitch)
the ball to the batter. Each team has
several specialist pitchers.

UMPIRES
Four umpires are in charge of the
game, one on each base.

252

PITCHING 2 STRIDE 3 PITCH WORLD SERIES
He then Finally, the
A pitcher’s job is to get the Every year the winners of the American
batter out. He or she needs plants his front pitcher throws League and the winners of the
to make it difficult for the National League compete in a set of
batter to hit the ball – known games, known as the World Series. These
as a strike – or place the ball teams have won the most World Series,
so that the batter will hit it including some, such as the Giants, who
where it will be caught easily. have played in more than one city.

foot firmly on his arm forwards, 1 NEW YORK YANKEES 27

the ground and releasing the ball 2 ST LOUIS CARDINALS 11

1 WIND UP swings his pitching when the arm is 3 PHILADELPHIA/OAKLAND/
The pitcher starts with his
arm back. fully extended. KANSAS CITY ATHLETICS 9

back foot on the pitching rubber 4 BOSTON RED SOX AND

and then raises his front leg to OTATORHC“TECAHABTEACLPTLHI”TTEAERCRHPW’SIETIRLSC,LTHBASASNUSTCGEYEGDLEEOSNT NEW YORK/SAN FRANCISCO
GIANTS 8
waist height.
5 BROOKLYN/LOS ANGELES
PITCH STYLES
DODGERS 6
The way that the pitcher grips or releases the ball can affect the speed,
force, and angle of the pitch. Here are some common pitches. 6 CINCINNATI REDS AND

FASTBALL CURVEBALL SLIDER KNUCKLEBALL PITTSBURGH PIRATES 5
This is a popular pitch. Two fingers
over the top of the ball allow it to be A twist of the wrist gives this Gripped slightly off-centre, the The most difficult to learn, the 7 DETROIT TIGERS 4
released at great speed. pitch topspin, which causes it slider is not quite as fast as knuckleball is gripped with two
to curve downwards at the a fastball, or as curved as a fingers on the top of the ball and
last moment. curved ball. pitched straight.

STRAIGHT PITCH TAKING A TURN SPIN SLOW PITCH INTERNATIONAL
A fastball usually The best curveballs A slider pitch swerves BASEBALL
goes straight towards cause the batter to at the last moment, A knuckleball moves
the home plate. swing at the wrong spot. confusing the batter. so unpredictably that it Baseball was dropped as an Olympic sport
is hard for the batter to in 2008 and the last Baseball World Cup was
time his or her swing. held in 2011, so the most prestigious national
competition is the World Baseball Classic.
Launched in 2006, Japan won the first two
competitions, but the Dominican Republic
were victorious in 2013.

STRIKE! Bat completes BASE RUNNING
a full swing
The pitcher must pitch the ball into the area As soon as the batter hits the ball, they need
known as the “strike zone”. If the batter to start running to first base. However, they
does not swing at all, misses the ball, or must reach the base before a fielder can throw
hits it into foul territory, the umpire at the the ball to a team-mate standing on the base.
home plate will call “strike”. If
a batter has three strikes, he Head up to
or she is out, and it is the next check where the
batter’s turn. ball has gone

STRIKE ZONE
The strike zone is the area
above the home plate between
the batter’s knees and the
mid-point of his or her torso.

Home plate

BATTING Hips rotate TAG OUT
to generate The fielder touches the batter with the ball
Batting requires strength, skill, timing, and the ability to out- power before he or she reaches a base. Out!
think the pitcher. Most professional players are considered to
be good hitters if they can safely hit three out of ten pitches.

1 STANCE 2 SWING
The batter stands As the ball is
SLIDE
side-on. The legs pitched, the batter The batter slides and
touches the base before
are wide apart, the takes a big step the base fielder can
receive the ball. Safe!
elbows bent, and forwards and
NIIBNCLOKCOMNLNUBAG,DMBOEAER:SLDGLFIO,NOMPGRHOEAEROR,NHTBOASAMTHLEEOLRTR,,UN
the bat is raised swings the bat
253
above the head. towards the ball.

3 FOLLOW-THROUGH
The batter

completes the swing

and then prepares to

run to first base, if he

has hit the ball.

Basketball THE GAME

Two teams of five players each try to score points by shooting
a ball through a hoop, which is 3.05 m (10 ft) above the ground.
The winning team is the one that has scored most points by the
end of the game.

Basketball is a fast-paced ball sport, invented in 12 12
Massachusetts, USA, in 1891 as an indoor game to keep 12 12
students fit during the winter. It was originally played
by shooting the ball into fruit-pickers’ baskets, which LASTS 4 QUARTERS OF HAS 2 TEAMS OF
is how the sport got its name. 48 MINUTES 12 MINUTES (NBA) 5 PLAYERS

EQUIPMENT KEEPING SCORE LAWS OF THE COURT

One of the attractions of basketball is that you need very Spectators keep track of the score on a scoreboard. The NBA (National Basketball Association) governs the
little equipment to play – just a ball and two baskets. A basket made inside the three-point line scores professional game in the USA. The NBA sets out only 12
Players do not even need special clothing, just suitable two points. Baskets made from beyond the three- basic rules, although each rule is divided into many clauses
shoes for running on court. point arc score three points. When shooting and subsections. Differing governing bodies worldwide have
a free throw, each basket made scores one point. slightly different rules.

BALL BASKET AND BACKBOARD Time and score Big screen PERSONAL AND TECHNICAL FOULS
Team and player stats
A modern ball is made The basket is a 45 cm (18 in) Space for If a team commits a foul, the opposing team is given possession of the
of rubber or a synthetic hoop with netting hanging advertising ball. If a team is fouled while shooting, they are awarded one or more
composite covered in leather. from it, mounted on a shots at the basket. Fouls can be either personal – for example for
It is 75–78 cm (30–32 in) in vertical backboard. pushing, blocking, or holding an opponent – or technical – for offences
circumference and weighs such as deliberate time-wasting or arguing with the referee. In the
600–650 g (21–23 oz). NBA, once a player has recorded six fouls, they may take no further
part in the game.

VIOLATIONS

When a player breaks the rules, they commit a foul. For instance,
players must dribble (bounce the ball in front of them) as they run.
If they do not, they commit a foul known as “travelling”.

TIME LIMITS

Basketball is designed to be a fast-moving, attacking sport. In the NBA,
once in possession of the ball, a team must attempt a shot within 24
seconds; if it does not, possession passes to the other team.

THE COURT Baseline

A standard basketball court is a rectangle 15.2 m Basket
(50 ft) wide by 28.7 m (94 ft) long. Most, but not all, Backboard
have a surface of polished wood. The various
markings on the court help to regulate play.

Officials’ desk

28.7 m (94 ft) 15.2 m (50 ft)

TWO-POINT ZONE

Two points
awarded for any
goal scored from

this area.

FREE THROW LINE WHO PLAYS WHERE?
Players stand here
POINT GUARD
to take free shots The point guard organizes the offence (attack)
at the basket. by calling out a pre-planned play (tactic).

Mid-court line SHOOTING GUARD
A shooting guard’s main duty is to shoot the
KEY THREE-POINT LINE OUT OF BOUNDS ball and score as many points as possible.
Any goal scored from If a team takes the ball outside
Attacking player the court lines, the other team SMALL FORWARD
can stay in this outside this arc is gets possession of the ball. A varied role that includes shooting, defending,
area for up to worth three points. and play-making.
three seconds.
POWER FORWARD
Fights for rebounds when the other team
shoots, and also shoots from long-range.

CENTRE
The centre is usually the tallest player and
is the team’s main shot-blocker.

254

SKILLS AND TECHNIQUES DRIBBLING

All basketball players need good ball-handling skills. To be Dribbling is the name given to bouncing the ball
successful, a team needs to be able to pass to each other, continuously. A player must dribble while moving
dribble, shield the ball from opponents, and, most importantly, with the ball, or else they are penalized for travelling.
shoot baskets.
Wrist is angled to
Ball is thrown direct the ball
hard and low downwards

Ball passes
under the
defender’s arm

Player holds 1 Using the hand furthest 2 Running forwards, 3 Keep your hand directly
ball in one or from your opponent, control the ball with over the ball – if you

both hands bounce the ball hard towards the fingertips as it rises touch the underside of the

the ground. back up towards you. ball, you will be penalized.

BOUNCE PASS MOVING
Instead of throwing the ball straight from his chest, a
player can bounce the ball to a team-mate. This makes Once a player has stopped dribbling, he or she is not allowed to
it harder for an opponent to block or intercept the ball. dribble for a second time. Instead, the player must keep one foot
on the ground and pivot (swivel) on it before shooting or passing.

Player pushes
upwards from
standing foot

Pivot foot

SLAM DUNK 1 The player stops 2 The player swivels 3 If a player drags his
dribbling or catches round on his pivot foot, pivot foot or lifts it
The player runs up, jumps very high, and, with
one or two hands, aims the ball downwards the ball. One of his feet looking for opportunities to off the ground, he will be
into the basket. The slam dunk is a popular
shot because, as long as the player can jump must become the pivot foot. shoot or pass the ball. penalized for travelling.
high enough, its success rate is high.

The backboard PLAYING THE GAME OFFICIALS’ SIGNALS
is made of a
shatterproof Basketball players require great athleticism, excellent hand- A team of officials oversees a game. The
eye coordination, and, because it is such a fast-paced game, timekeeper starts the clock when the ball is
material called superb stamina. They also need to be tall. Players are rarely in play and pauses it whenever play is stopped.
Plexiglas under 1.8 m (6 ft) and are often as tall as 2.1 m (7 ft). The shot-clock operator makes sure that the
team in possession shoots within a certain time.
The hoop must be Large hands enable a TIP-OFF There are two referees, who make gestures and
strong enough to player to grip the ball signals to indicate aspects of play and breaches
withstand players one-handed This is the name given to of the rules.
hanging from it the jump ball that starts or
Number resumes the game. The
identifies referee throws the ball up,
player and two players jump and
try to tip it to a team-mate.

ASVEEHARPCISAGEIHSORNGHEANEEAGTMDSASHTTBOOM5EE0SNT1ER.IA,49NL–WL6APGT1EIOILH–NLVEI6TEN-E2TRS Players wear loose CHARGING JUMP BALL
vests and shorts, and
air-cushioned trainers One arm out to the Both arms up mean that
side indicates that an two players have a grip of
attacking player has the ball, so the referee is
run into a defender. calling a jump ball.

TRAVELLING BLOCKING

Arms rotating indicate Clenched fists against
that a player has moved the waist signal that one
with the ball without player has blocked the
dribbling it. way of another.

BASKETS AND REBOUNDS Strong leg TWO-POINT SCORE THREE-POINT SCORE
muscles are Both arms up, with three
If a team scores a basket, the Left arm raised with two fingers up on each hand,
game restarts with the other essential fingers showing indicates signals a basket worth
team in possession of the ball for jumps a two-point basket to three points.
behind the baseline under the scorekeeper.
their own basket. If the shot 255
is unsuccessful, the players
compete for a “rebound”. If
the attacking team wins the
ball, they can shoot again, but
if the defending team wins it,
they will try to move the ball
to the other end of the court.

Racket sports EQUIPMENT

There are many different racket sports, but they all need similar Most rackets have a metal or wooden frame
skills: good hand-eye coordination, quick reactions, speed, fitness, containing a network of strings. The tightness
and agility. Most racket sports can be played by two people (1 vs 1, and density of the strings affects the way in
known as singles) or four people (2 vs 2, known as doubles). which the racket controls the ball. What a ball
is made of, its size, and weight can also affect
the speed and style of the game.

TENNIS Receiving player Net Umpire
Baseline
Players take it in turns to serve and can
score points whenever their opponent 6.4 m (21 ft) 5.5
fails to return a ball over the net or hits
the ball out of play. Tennis (also known m (18
as lawn tennis) matches are made up of
games and sets, with players needing to 27.3 m (78 ft) (m27(3ft6) Sfti)nDgoleusbles ft)
win six games to win a set. Matches can 1.4(4m.5 ft)
last for hours as a player must always
win the final set by two games.

Doubles TENNIS RACKET
sideline
8.2 m
11

BEST OF THREE OR SINGLES Net court judge Serving player TENNIS BALL
FIVE SETS OR DOUBLES Singles sideline Tennis balls are made of rubber,
Net is 15.25 cm covered in felt and weigh 56–59 g
TABLE TENNIS Players need 1.5 m (5 ft) (6 in) high (1.9–2 oz). During a match, balls may be
good balance 2.7 m (9 ft) hit so hard that they lose their bounce
A player wins a point if his or her
opponent cannot return the ball or Edge of and need to be replaced.
if the return does not land on the the table
table. The first player to score 11 (ball is in) TABLE TENNIS
points wins the game. However, if BAT
both players score 10 points, the
first player to gain a two-point TABLE TENNIS BALL
advantage wins the game. Table
tennis is also known as ping pong. Made of celluloid and
filled with gas, a table
tennis ball weighs a

mere 2.7 g (0.1 oz).

BEST OF FIVE OR SINGLES Players must not 4.57 m (15 ft)Players must
SEVEN GAMES OR DOUBLES touch the table react quickly
76 cm (2.5 ft)
SQUASH Service line 2.7 m (9 ft) Ceiling (out of bounds)
Out line
Squash is played on a four-walled 5.4 m (17.6 ft)
court and players take it in turns to Half court line
serve. They can win points if their
opponent fails to hit the ball after it 5.4 m (17.6 ft) SQUASH RACKET
has bounced once, or if they hit the
ball out of bounds. A player needs 1.6 m 6.4 m (21 ft)
11 points to win the game, but if (5.2 ft)
the score is tied at 10-10, a player
needs to win by two points.

Tin area 1.(65.m2 ft) SQUASH BALL
(out of bounds) (5.12.6ft)m
Service box Squash balls are made of
Referees hollow rubber. A coloured

THE BEST OF 3 OR SINGLES (DOUBLES dot shows how fast or
5 GAMES CAN BE PLAYED ON bouncy the ball is – orange
A BIGGER COURT)
256 is the slowest and blue
the fastest.

BADMINTON BEST OF THREE SINGLES
GAMES OR DOUBLES
A player wins a point if his or her opponent
fails to hit the shuttlecock or hits it out of play. Doubles sideline
The first player to win 21 points wins the game.
However, if the score is tied at 20-20, a player
must gain a two-point lead to win the game.

Line judge
(there are ten)

BADMINTON Net
RACKET
Service
SHUTTLECOCK judge
The rounded base is
made of cork covered 6.1 m (250.1f8t)mDo(1u7bflte)sSingles Singles side line
in leather. The top has
16 feathers, which are PRECISION AND POWER

often plastic. Badminton shots can be
softer than other racket
REAL TENNIS sports due to the shape
RACKET and weight of the shuttle.
However, powerful smash
REAL TENNIS BALL shots are also effective.
Heavier and less bouncy
than a tennis ball, a real Short 13.4 m 1.98 m (6.5
tennis ball is made of cork service line (44 ft)
wrapped in felt. They are ft)
Umpire
usually handmade.
0.76 m (2.5 ft) Doubles
RACQUETBALL service line
RACKET
Singles
RACQUETBALL service line
Balls are made of rubber to
If a player serves the 50CTORHUEEARWTTL SHOTEERARNLREDNEAIAISDRNEECDNOOTNUNIROCLTYATSLWINO
make them bounce. ball into one of these
They weigh about 40 g (1½ oz). windows, it’s a point

A server who REAL TENNIS
gets the ball
in this grille The scoring in real tennis (also known as Court Tennis)
wins a point is similar to the modern game. However, the court is very
different. It is enclosed on all four sides, and three of the
sides have sloping roof areas. Courts also have several
unusual features such as grilles and windows.

The Serving end

receiving 29.3 m (96 ft) (32 ft)
end 9.8 m

Net

THE BEST OF THREE SINGLES
OR FIVE SETS OR DOUBLES

6 m (20 ft) Ceiling – the ball RACQUETBALL
may hit here and
12 m (40 ft) still be in play Played on a similar court to squash, the
objective of racquetball is to hit the ball so that
Front an opponent cannot keep it in play. Points can
wall only be scored by the server, but if the server
fails to keep the ball in play, the serve passes
to the other player. The first player to reach
15 points wins the game.

Back
wall

Referee

4.5 m (15 ft) 45(1c.5mft) Judge THE BEST OF SINGLES,

Service FIVE GAMES DOUBLES, OR
box TPRHRAAECWTVQEEPUNALETARTYEBGEYAORELGSLIGNUILSJSEUUSSRAOTIEL“OFISLRAYONSMTAN” (2 VS 1)

(51f.5t)m (51f.5t) 90(c3mft) 6 m (20 ft)
m
(15
4.5 m

ft) Judge

257

Tennis THE MATCH

Playing tennis is fun and helps you to gain some sporting A tennis match is played in games and sets between two or
skills. To play the game well, you have to be fast on your four people. A game is a series of points won or lost, and a set
feet, quick-thinking, and sharp-eyed. World-class players is a series of games. The player who wins the best out of three
make tennis exciting to watch, too. or five sets is the match winner. Matches have no time limit.

NO TIME LIMIT A MATCH CAN BE SINGLES: 2 PLAYERS
3 OR 5 SETS DOUBLES: 4 PLAYERS

THE COURT Net Baseline
6.(421mft) Centre line
All tennis courts have the same measurements.
They are marked by white lines that show the 5.(518mft) Court surround
area in which the ball must land. Most courts are
marked for both singles play (two players) and (134.5.1fmt)
doubles (four players). A net divides the court into
two equal ends. Around the playing area, various (4.15.4ftm)
officials watch the match closely.

Umpire’s chair

Singles sideline

Doubles sideline

11 m 8.2 m
(36 ft) D(2o7ubftl)eSsingles
23.77 m (78 ft) COURTS

Tennis courts are made of various
materials to suit both indoor and

outdoor play. The type of surface affects
how high and fast the ball bounces.

UMPIRE HARD COURT (REBOUND ACE) HARD COURT (DECOTURF)
Watches from a raised chair Concrete or asphalt base Similar to Rebound Ace court,
to ensure the rules are obeyed. cushioned with synthetic
rubber. Balls bounce high. but with a less cushioned
NET COURT JUDGE surface. Balls bounce high.
Signals if the ball touches the
top of the net during a serve. Service line

LINE JUDGE CLAY COURT GRASS COURT
Judge whether a ball lands Balls bounce high on this Balls move fast with a
in or out of court.
surface but move at a lower bounce. This
BALL BOYS/GIRLS relatively slow speed. surface can be slippery.
Pick up out-of-play balls and
return them to the server.

FOOT-FAULT JUDGE
Checks that a server does not
step across the baseline before
hitting the ball.

SCORING “LTW’OEHNETUINCHFIHE”S,“IMFSLRAOZEYVENERCC”OHOS-MSFCHOEOARRFPER“EEOIDGNMG” – EQUIPMENT BALLS
Frame
Both players start with a score of zero, or “love”. The first Modern tennis equipment is made of
point you win scores 15. If you win a second point, the score is lightweight materials that are strong
30. A third point scores 40. One more point can win the game, and long-lasting. Rackets come in
provided you are already two points ahead of your opponent. varying sizes. It is important to choose
one that is the right weight for you and
Score for game feels comfortable to hold.

Set markers Sets won in progress Handle with
cushioned grip
TIE-BREAK

If the score is six games all, a tie-break is
played. This game has special rules. A tie-
break, and the set, is won when a player
wins seven points and is at least two points
ahead. There is no tie-break in the final set.

RACKET

Completed Two sets were decided Players’ Score for set Strings
sets by tie-breaks names in progress

258

THE SERVE POSITION PREPARE TOSS THROW MAJOR WINNERS
Stand behind the Turning sideways, Toss the ball up Throw the racket over
Also called the The four biggest annual tennis
service, this stroke is tournaments, known as “Grand Slams”,
the most important are: Wimbledon, the US Open, the
one to learn. Every Australian Open, and the French Open.
point in a game Below are the top five singles Grand
starts with the Slam winners.
serve. It is a tricky
technique to master. 1 STEFFI GRAF Germany – 22 wins
Even professionals
do not hit the ball 2 SERENA WILLIAMS USA – 21 wins
over the net every
time – but a server is 3 CHRIS EVERT USA – 18 wins
allowed to have two
attempts per point. 3 MARTINA NAVRATILOVA

1 2 3 4 Czechoslovakia/USA – 18 wins

baseline, just to hold the racket and and bend your racket your head and hit the ball. 4 ROGER FEDERER Switzerland – 17 wins

the right of centre. ball in front of you. arm back, ready to hit. Follow through the stroke.

FOREHAND DRIVE FOREHAND VOLLEY THE SMASH Reach up
with your
Using the forehand is the skill that tennis players Volley shots are played close to the net. Players must The smash shot uses opposite
learn first. With practice, it can become a very powerful hit the ball before it bounces. The action is short, an action similar to arm
stroke. The ball must bounce once before you hit it. fast, and punchy, and does not use a big swing. that of the serve. It hits
the ball as it comes
down from high in the
air, and requires fast
thinking. You may have
to spring up to reach
the ball. Fully stretch
your racket arm and
reach up with the other
arm. Drop the racket
head behind your back
and then accelerate
it forwards to hit
the ball.

Turn your body
sideways and

position yourself
under the ball

1 RACKET BACK 2 MEET THE BALL 1 REACH 2 SHORT FOLLOW-THROUGH
Take the racket back Swing the racket forwards to Stretch out your racket After making contact with the

and up, turn your shoulders meet the ball in front of your body. arm and step forwards. ball, finish the stroke with a short

to the side, and step forwards. Hit the ball and follow through the Watch the ball all the time. follow-through.

stroke with the racket.

BACKHAND BACKHAND SLICE
DRIVE
Once you have mastered the basic backhand, you can try the
You play this stroke when more challenging backhand slice. A ball hit with this stroke spins
your opponent hits the ball and lands low, so it can take your opponent by surprise.
towards the side opposite
your racket arm. Turn your
shoulders
1 SWING BACK to the side as
As the ball comes, turn you take the
racket back

your shoulders to the side and

swing your racket back.

2 STEP
With a firm grip on

the racket, step forwards

to meet the ball. Stretch

out your racket arm to

hit the ball in front of

your body.

DOUBLE-HANDED 1 BACK 2 SLICE 3 FOLLOW-THROUGH
Take the racket Step into the shot Keep your arm straight
BACKHAND
Two hands can give
extra strength and
power a backhand drive.

3 FOLLOW THROUGH back as you would and slip the head of and follow through with a
Keeping the swing

going, follow through the for the backhand the racket under the short chopping movement.

shot with your racket. Do drive, with the ball. Hit the ball when This part of the stroke is

not take your eyes off the head angled it is just in front of important, as it drives the

ball until it is safely over slightly up. your body. ball forwards.

the net.

259

Athletics SET UP

The athletics arena is home to three main different sports Athletics events are also known as “track and field events”.
styles: running, jumping, and throwing. Competitors need Running races take place on the track, and jumping and
speed, stamina, agility, or strength, depending on their throwing events are held in an area known as the field.
chosen event. All-round athletes have all these skills. There are also two walking events on the track.

RUNNING THROWING JUMPING

ATHLETICS TRACK High-jump area Javelin
Long jump throwing area
The athletics area is marked out by
a running track 400 m (328 yd) in Shot put area
circumference, with the field area for
throwing and jumping events inside
it. Shorter races use just one section
of the track. In long-distance races,
athletes circuit the track many times.

Safety cages around
hammer and discus

throwing areas

Staggered
starting
positions so all
runners cover
the same
distance

Finish line

Landing areas WORLD RECORDS
for throwing
events All athletes want to break records –
to run faster, jump higher, or throw
Water jump, for Several different further than anyone ever has before.
steeplechase start lines on
event the track WOMEN’S 100 M, SET IN 1988

SPECIAL TRACK Florence Griffith-Joyner, USA – 10.49 seconds.
The running track is made of
non-slip rubberized material that MEN’S HIGH JUMP, SET IN 1993
helps prevent injuries.
Javier Sotomayor, Cuba – 2.45 m (8 ft).
TRIPLE JUMP
WOMEN’S DISCUS, SET IN 1988
This jump is also known as
the “hop, step, and jump”, Gabriele Reinsch, Germany – 76.8 m (84 yd).
because that is exactly what
the athletes do. They run MEN’S MARATHON, SET IN 2014
down a track, hop forwards,
land on the same foot, step Dennis Kipruto Kimetto, Kenya – 2.02 hours
onto the other foot, and then 57 seconds.
jump as far as they can.
HOP, STEP, JUMP LONG JUMP CAREFUL JUMP POLE VAULT HOLDING ON
HIGH JUMP Power and rhythm Athletes must take The athlete uses the
Athletes competing in off before the line. In this event, competitors pole to vault higher.
This is a competition to see are needed. this event try to leap the use a bendy pole to clear
who can jump the highest. furthest through the air a bar that is set higher
Athletes run up to a from a running jump. and higher. The vaulter
horizontal bar and try to They concentrate on five runs down the track with
clear it without it falling, stages: their run-up, last the pole, pushes the end
often using a special two steps, takeoff, travel into a box, and uses the
technique called the through the air, and pole as a lever to swing
Fosbury Flop (shown here). their landing. up and over the bar.
They land on a cushioned
area to prevent injury. 1 TAKEOFF 2 MOVING UP 3 ARCHING BACK 4 HIGH POINT 5 LANDING
The jumper She starts to twist Her body arches She kicks her legs She positions her
260
pushes into the air her body so that her backwards. up to clear the bar. arms in preparation

from one leg. back faces the bar. for landing.

JAVELIN SHOT PUT Women’s shot HAMMER Hammer
4 kg (8 lb 12 oz)
Athletes compete The “shot” is a The “hammer” in athletics
to see who can throw heavy metal ball that Men’s shot is nothing like a normal
the javelin (which is a bit competitors try to throw 7.2 kg (16 lb) hammer – it is a heavy metal
like a spear) the furthest (“put”) as far as they can. ball attached by a wire to a
down the field. Men At the beginning of each handle. The thrower whirls
throw a slightly longer put, the shot is held close the hammer around his
javelin than women. against the neck, and the or her head several times
shot putter spins around before releasing it. Men
Javelin in a circle before hurling throw a heavier hammer
the shot forwards. than women.

DISCUS MULTI-PART EVENTS

A discus is a fairly flat, heavy disc that spins through the air when it is In these track and field events,
thrown hard. The women’s discus weighs 1 kg (2.2 lb) while the men’s competitors need to be all-round
weighs 2 kg (4.4 lb). The winner is the person who throws it furthest. athletes with a combination of skills.

1 PRELIMINARY SWING 2 TURNING CIRCLE 3 RELEASE 4 FOLLOW-THROUGH HEPTATHLON
Holding the discus in one The athlete spins At the front of the After releasing the
This two-day competition for women includes
seven events: 200 m, 100 m hurdles, high jump,
shot put, long jump, javelin, and 800 m.

DECATHLON

Men compete in ten events in this two-day
competition: 100 m, long jump, shot put, high
jump, 400 m, 100 m hurdles, discus, pole vault,
javelin, and 1,500 m.

hand, the athlete starts to around one and a half circle, the athlete sends the discus, the athlete is careful

swing it back and forwards. times, gaining momentum. discus flying into the air. to stay within the circle.

MIDDLE- LONG-DISTANCE DISTANCE EVENTS
DISTANCE RUNNING
RUNNING There are eight Olympic middle- and long-
Races that are more than distance events on the track. The 3,000 m
These races are run over 3,000 m (3,280 yd) long are steeplechase includes 35 jumps, seven of
800–3,000 m, and some, called “long-distance” races which are water jumps.
like the steeplechase, and demand great stamina.
include hurdles and water The events may take place 800 m 10,000 m
jumps. The runners start in a stadium or along roads
off in lanes but do not and paths. Many cities hold 1,500 m Marathon (42.4 km)
usually have to stay in their annual marathons, which are
lane throughout the race. 42.2 km (26.2 miles) long. 3,000 m 20 km walk
Steeplechase 50 km walk (men only)

5,000 m

SPRINT EVENTS SPRINTING HURDLES
Competitors have
In the Olympics, there are eight sprint events. These fast races are to jump hurdles
run over distances while running.
Some include hurdles. from 100–400 m.
Sprinters push off
100 m 110 m hurdles from the blocks and
200 m (men only) hit top speed almost
400 m hurdles immediately.

400 m 4 x 100 m relay

100 m hurdles 4 x 400 m relay
(women only)

H1EW102C0H.O2MEVMNEWUR(4OES0DRAFLIATNDN) BRPAOEECSRLTOTSORBEDNRCOIOISNKNHED2IN0T0GH9E, RUNNING ALONE RUNNING A RELAY
Most races involve Teams of four run one
SPRINT START individual runners. leg of the race each,
passing on a baton.
In short sprints, getting off to a
clean, fast start can make the
difference between winning and
losing the race.

1 READY 2 GET SET 3 GO!
The sprinter gets The athlete’s body On the starter’s

ready by crouching and raises into a bridge, gun, the sprinter

setting both feet firmly with the hips raised explodes out of the

against the blocks. above the shoulders. starting blocks.

261

Winter sports EQUIPMENT GOGGLES

Sports have taken place on snow and ice for centuries. The standard equipment for alpine
Today, most winter sports are variations of skiing, skiing includes skis (which have
sledding, or ice skating. These sports have their own different shapes for different
multi-sport tournament, the Winter Olympic Games, disciplines), poles, a helmet,
which takes place every four years. goggles, boots, and bindings,
which attach the boot to the ski.

SKI
BOOT

POLES

HELMET

ALPINE SKIING Helmet gives SKIS BINDING
protection
Alpine skiing is an exhilarating sport of speed Skin-tight DIFFERENT COURSES
and skill. There are five types of alpine ski Goggles reduce suit cuts down
competition. Two of the disciplines – downhill glare from the Sun resistance Every alpine-ski discipline tests different skills,
and Super-G – focus on speed. Slalom and so the courses for each are set out differently.
giant slalom are technical events, in which a A downhill course has the fewest gates (poles),
competitor’s skill will win the day. The fifth event, whereas a slalom has many poles through
called combined (a mix of downhill and slalom), which the skier must pass.
tests both speed and technique.

TOP ALPINE SKIERS Gloves keep DOWNHILL SUPER-G
hands warm
KJETIL ANDRE AAMODT (NORWAY)
Number on bib
The only alpine skier to win eight Olympic identifies skier
medals, four of them gold – in Super-G
(1992, 2002, 2006) and combined (2002). Shin pads GIANT SLALOM SLALOM
Ski pole
JANICA KOSTELIC (CROATIA) Edge of ski THFREOWMOTRHDE“SNLOARLWOMEG”IACONMES
cuts into snow WORD“G“ESNLATLLEAMSL”O, PMEE”ANING
The only woman in history to win four Winter
Olympic golds – three in 2002 and one in 2006.

ALBERTO TOMBA (ITALY)

The dominant technical skier of the late
1980s and early 1990s.

High boots
protect ankles

Ski binding

ALTERNATIVE SNOWBOARDING Helmet
SKIING METHODS
Developed in the USA in the 1960s, snowboarding 1 GRAB 2 BODY 3 RELEASE
Freestyle skiing made its modern has enjoyed an explosion in popularity in recent BEND
Winter Olympic debut in 1992. Disciplines years. Inspired by skateboarding, skiing, Entrance
include aerials, ski cross, half-pipe, and and surfing, snowboarders descend a HALF-PIPE
slopestyle. Cross-country skiers use slope while standing on a ski-like
alpine skiing and jumping techniques board attached to their feet. Half-pipe events take place in a
to complete courses up to 50 km
(31.1 miles) in length. Sweat shirt

Wrist guard specially constructed U-shaped

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING FREESTYLE arena. Competitors perform

Cross-country skiers use a SKIING tricks, such as the alley-
variety of techniques to race In 1992 moguls
over challenging terrain. These became the first oop (above), as
include the diagonal stride and freestyle skiing
double poling (below). event to feature at they descend.
the Winter Games.
EQUIPMENT Glove

Snowboarders Exit Snowboarder
need a board, boots, HALF-PIPE
some bindings to Boot
attach the boots
to the board, a pair SLOPESTYLE
of goggles, and
a helmet. Slopestyle sees participants
navigate a downhill course
BOOT BINDING SNOWBOARDER littered with obstacles, such as
jumps and rails (right). Scores
1 POLES IN 2 PUSH 3 GLIDE SNOWBOARD Professional snowboarders are awarded for staying upright
GROUND compete in various disciplines for the duration of the course
that test both speed (downhill) and for the tricks performed.
and acrobatic skills (half-pipe
and quarter-pipe).

262

Head and body NORDIC COMBINED BIATHLON
are positioned
The Nordic combined is a one-day winter The Biathlon is a sport that
over skis sport that combines ski jumping with combines cross-country skiing
cross-country skiing. Athletes take part
Skis in in individual, sprint, and team events. with rifle shooting. It has a
V-shape to military origin in 18th-century
gain extra lift Take-off
Scandinavia, when accurate
Ski jumper Flight shooting and fast skiing
accelerates were vital for soldiers
down slope JUMPING HILL patrolling the long
There are two types of borders between
SKI JUMPING jumping hill: the K90, which Norway and Sweden.
measures 90 m (98 yd) in
This is a spectacular sport length, and the K120, which Long ski poles
that involves skiing down a is 120 m (131 yd) long. help skier to
steep slope, taking off, jumping push forward
as far as possible, and then landing Landing
smoothly without falling over. Ski Cross-country
jumpers are judged not only for the skis have
furthest distance jumped, but also for the
style of their take-off, flight, and landing. curved tips

SLIDING SPORTS BOBSLEIGH

Sliding sports are among the fastest Bobsleigh was
winter sports. They include bobsleigh, invented in
luge, and skeleton. Competitors in Switzerland in the
each of these sports propel themselves 19th century. The
down a specially constructed track modern sport sees
and try to reach the bottom in the teams of two or four
fastest time possible. racing down ice-
covered tracks in
steerable sleds.

THE TRACK Start house 1 ROCK AND SLIDE 2 FINAL PUSH 3 FULL STEAM AHEAD
After taking up their positions, All members of the team The driver sits at the front
All sliding sports take place Steep
on a specially constructed banking team members rock the sled and must jump into the sled within and steers the speeding sled.
ice-covered track.
The tracks feature then push off down the launch pad. 50 m (55 yd) of the start line.
left and right turns,
S-curves, 180- LUGE Helmet and visor
degree bends
(called “Omega”), Stainless Luge athletes contest the
and hairpins. steel runners fastest sport on ice. Lying
feet first on their back on
Straight Finish
Omega a fibreglass sled, they
SKATING twist and turn down a
track at breathtaking
Ice skating originated
in Finland more than speeds of more than
3000 years ago. Originally, 135 km/h (85 mph).
skates were made from
animal bone strapped Helmet
to the bottom of the foot.
Today, competitive ice SKELETON Fibreglass Sharp
skating on steel blades base-plate blades on
has three disciplines: Skeleton is the oldest bottom of
speed skating, ice dancing, sliding sport. It requires runners
and figure skating. enormous courage. Athletes
travel headfirst down the track Athlete steers
Skate on a 120 cm (48 in) long sled with feet
called a “skeleton”.

Bodysuit Dance skates Costumes TOP FIGURE
have shorter can be SKATERS
SPEED SKATING blades and decorated
Speed skating sees higher heels GILLIS GRAFSTROM (SWEDEN)
athletes race on skates
around an oval ice The female Won three consecutive men’s singles
track. Events range dancer must gold medals at the 1920, 1924, and
from 500 m to 5,000 m. wear a skirt 1928 Winter Olympic Games.

ICE DANCING FIGURE SKATING SONJA HENIE (NORWAY)

Ice dancing Single skaters or Dominated the women’s singles event,
competitions take couples compete in two winning Winter Olympic gold in 1928,
place on an ice rink. programmes: one to test 1932, and 1936.
It is a couples’ event their technical ability; the
and judges give other to demonstrate JAYNE TORVILL AND
marks for each artistic expression. CHRISTOPHER DEAN (UK)
performance.
The British ice-dancing pair received
the only perfect score in the event’s
history following their routine at the
1984 Winter Olympic Games.

263

Cycling RIDER PROFILE Helmet with BMX
BMX riders mouth guard
Cycling is a global sport, enjoyed by people of need to be BMX (bicycle motocross) began
all ages. Most ride for fun, but many compete flexible and fit. as an offshoot of motocross
in disciplines such as track or road racing, Freestylers (off-road motorcycle racing).
or in BMX or mountain bike events. have style and Riders use specially designed
creative flair. bikes to perform freestyle tricks
and stunts, or to race over a dirt
Gloves stop track or obstacle course.
hands from
FLATLAND RIDING
slipping A form of freestyle, flatland
involves riders performing on
Full-length flat surfaces with no ramps,
trousers with jumps, or grindrails. It is
padded knees probably the most technically
demanding BMX discipline.

Lightweight MOUNTAIN BIKING EVENTS The rider
helmet uses his
Mountain biking (MTB) is one of the There are two types of competitive foot to keep
Breathable newest cycling sports, started by BMX riding – racing on dirt tracks and the bike
clothing cyclists riding off-road trails in freestyle tricks. moving as
California, USA, in the late 1970s. he does a
ROUGH TERRAIN Cross-country mountain biking RACING balancing
Lifting the bike’s wheels to get over an became an Olympic event in 1996. trick
obstruction on the trail is known as bunny- Eight riders race in heats over a short circuit
hopping. The rider approaches the obstacle Gloves cushion with different turns and jumps. The fastest Stunt peg
quickly, then lifts the handlebar and tucks his the hands riders then compete in the final
feet up under his body at the same time. race. BMX racing became an Jumps are small,
RIDER PROFILE Olympic sport in 2008. but closely packed
As well as stamina together
and strong pedalling FREESTYLE
power, mountain
bikers need balance Divided into four main styles:
and excellent base tricks (the basic moves);
technical skills to grind and lip tricks, performed on
negotiate difficult railings or the edge of a half-pipe
off-road terrain. structure; and aerial tricks, which
are acrobatic turns and jumps in the air.
EVENTS
DIRT TRACK Banked turns or
MTB is still quite a new sport and corners are
different types of competitions have In a BMX race, riders
been developed in recent years. complete a single lap called berms
of the course, which is
CROSS-COUNTRY laid out with various
challenging features.
Riders race each other for a fixed number of
laps of a circuit. The first to cross the finish line Starting gate
is the winner.
Riders
DOWNHILL finish the
course in
Competitors ride individually against the clock, 30–45
down a hillside course. The fastest time wins. seconds

TRIALS Finish line

Riders compete in various tests of poise, nerve,
and artistry on their bikes, and are awarded
points by judges.

ENDURO

Originating in France, a long-distance race in
which only the downhill sections are timed and
count towards the rider’s finishing time.

MOUNTAIN BIKE Low frame height Up to 30 BMX BIKE Solid handlebar grips
makes it easier to gears Racing bikes are single-
A mountain bike must climb at low speed speed and designed for Small wheels allow
be sturdy, to cope with quick acceleration. fast acceleration
bumpy trails, but still Freestyle bikes are Sturdy
light enough to be similar but often have frame
manoeuvrable. stunt pegs attached, for
riders to stand on when
performing tricks.

Single
gear

Fat, knobbly tyres
for good grip over
rough ground

264

TRACK CYCLING Shorts and top Lightweight ROAD RACING
in team colours helmet
Track cycling takes place on a track called Road racing is one of the most
a velodrome. Riders compete in different physically demanding of all
events, from short sprints to endurance sports. Multi-stage races can
cover thousands of kilometres
races over many laps. in a few weeks and include
all-day mountain climbs and
Aero handlebars allow 80 km/h (50 mph) sprints.
rider to get into a
streamlined position RIDER PROFILE
Road racers have an enormous
RIDER PROFILE capacity for physical and
Track cyclists need high mental endurance. They must
muscle power and low eat a balanced diet with a lot of
body-fat levels to be as carbohydrates – riders eat up
efficient as possible in to 6,000 calories on race days
the saddle. to maintain energy levels.

TOUR DE FRANCE RACE FORMATS

The Tour is the world’s most famous road Road race formats range from one-day
race. Riders cover about 3,500 km (2,175 races to multi-stage endurance events.
miles) in 21 stages, finishing in Paris. There are two Olympic events, the classic
road race and the individual time trial.
EVENTS POLKA DOT JERSEY WHITE JERSEY STAGE RACE
Awarded to the King Worn by the
There are ten Olympic track cycling of the Mountains, the A race over several stages in which the winner
events, with men and women competing highest-placed is the rider whose combined time is the quickest.
in each of the five events listed. best climber. young rider. May include sprint stages, mountain finishes,
and individual or team time-trials.
INDIVIDUAL SPRINT
CLASSIC
Two riders race over three laps of the track.
One-day races of up to 270 km (168 miles), often
TEAM SPRINT ridden over difficult terrain, such as cobbled roads.

Two teams of three riders race over three laps. INDIVIDUAL TIME TRIAL

TEAM PURSUIT GREEN JERSEY YELLOW JERSEY Competitors race individually against the clock.
Awarded to the Worn by the
Two teams of four riders race over 4 km (2.5 best sprinter. CRITERIUM
miles). Teams start on opposite sides of the track. overall leader.
A high-speed race, on a city-centre circuit of less
KEIRIN ON THE ROAD than 5 km (3 miles), over a set time (usually one
hour) or a fixed number of laps.
Cyclists ride several laps behind a motorcycle Riders race in teams. Team
pacemaker before sprinting to the finish. members work together during PELOTON
the race to help their leader to The name given
OMNIUM MADISON win, even if it means sacrificing Team car to the main group
their own chances of success. of riders in a race.
Twenty-four riders contest six different events: The Madison is a relay event for
three sprints and three endurance races. The teams of two. When the riders Race director
strongest overall rider wins. change over, one uses his hand
to propel the other into the race. BRE AK AWAY
A few riders work together to
THE VELODROME Pursuit Motorcycle pull away from the main group.
start line marshal
The velodrome track is oval
and sloped, or “banked”, Wood, concrete, or
so riders can achieve synthetic track
maximum speed.

Finish line

Pursuit BANKING ANGLES
start line
On an Olympic 250 m
200 m (656 ft) line (820 ft) track, the
(only used in sprints) banks can be as
steep as 45 degrees.

STANDARD TRACK BIKE Light, carbon- Drop ROAD BIKE Integrated
fibre frame handlebars Road bikes have to be strong, brake and
The standard bike is used light, and comfortable enough gear levers
for short races, while Single fixed to be ridden for long periods.
pursuit bikes with low- gear Carbon-fibre
profile handlebars are forks absorb
used for endurance events. minor bumps

Aerodynamic Tubular tyres
disc wheel

265

Water sports DIVING 10 m (32.8 ft)
platform
Water provides the perfect environment to Competitive divers
show off sporting skills, from impressive tricks dive from a variety 7.5 m (24.6 ft)
on a board to acrobatic dives into the water. of heights. They must platform
Water sports are exciting and require great acrobatically twist and
balance, strength, and endurance to keep flip in the air before 5 m (16.4 ft)
control in the water. they hit the water. This platform
requires great muscle
strength, as divers must 3 m (9.8 ft)
move their bodies springboard
like gymnasts.
1 m (3.3 ft)
Judges score springboard
divers from 0 to 10
Water jets break
SWIMMING The false start The starter Timekeepers keep the surface
recall rope drops begins track of how long of the pool
Many swimmers take part in each swimmer
races in swimming pools, but into the water the race takes to finish DIVING TECHNIQUES
some will even cross seas or when a competitor
endure cold-water races in Some swimmers To achieve the highest scores, divers
the peak of winter. Swimming dives in too soon wear full swimsuits must complete a dive that is technically
requires agility and strength and others may challenging. They are scored on their
to move through the water Stroke judges wear shorts approach, flight, and entry into the water.
as quickly as possible. ensure the
swimming TUCK
The referee strokes are The diver’s
makes sure the legal knees are
tightly tucked
race is fair up and held
with the
Starting block toes pointed.

The finish All competition PIKE
judge informs pools should have The body is bent
the referee a mark 15 m (49.2 ft) at the hips over
who won from each end straight legs
the race with pointed toes.

Turn judges ensure Backstroke
the turns are legal flags are set
5 m (16.4 ft)
from the end
of the pool

THE ENTRY STRAIGHT
The body must be
Divers must be totally flat and rigid
completely straight as with pointed toes.
they enter the water,
with minimal splash.

SOLO SWIMMING SYNCHRONIZED SWIMMING BALL SPORTS
To glide through the water at great speed, swimmers Synchronized swimmers must perform a graceful
must perfect their arm strokes and leg kicking so each routine in perfect unison. Music is played both above A number of team ball
movement propels them forwards. and below the water to help them keep time. sports take place in
water, such as water
SWIMMING STROKES polo and underwater
hockey. In water polo,
There are swimming competitions for all four types of swimming strokes. The fastest players must tread
stroke is the front crawl. In the individual medley, swimmers must swim all four strokes. water for long periods
of time. In underwater
FRONT CRAWL BREASTSTROKE BUTTERFLY BACKSTROKE hockey, they need to be UNDERWATER HOCKEY
able to dive underwater. Teams use snorkels and a stick
to get the puck into the goal.
WATER POLO
Teams score goals by throwing
a ball into a net.

266

BOARD SPORTS

Board sports are popular
on lakes and along coasts,
where people can use the
power of the wind, waves,
or boats to race along at
high speeds or perform
amazing tricks. They
usually require excellent
balance and strength to
control the board and
avoid falling off.

SURFING KITESURFING WATER-SKIING WAKEBOARDING WINDSURFING

Surfers need good balance to Kitesurfers use the power Water-skiers are pulled along Wakeboarders are pulled along Windsurfers use a large sail
control a surfboard with their feet. of the wind to speed across behind a boat on one or two skis, on a board by a boat and use to power them across the water
The strength of the breaking waves the water and jump high or even barefoot. They compete in the boat’s wake to perform in speed races or to perform
pushes the board forwards. into the air. slalom, jumping, or trick events. flips and jumps. impressive tricks.

FLOATER

The floater is a popular
trick to help surfers gain
speed when surfing a wave,
or to clear a section of the
wave. It is also a great way
to set up for another trick.

1 When you have some speed, 2 Ride up to the lip of the wave 3 Switch your weight from your 4 Enter back into the wave
point the board towards the at a 30-degree angle. back foot to your front foot to by pushing your board flat

wave when it is starting to break. turn on the lip of the wave. on the face of the wave.

ROWING SCULLING There can be up
In sculling, rowers have to eight people
Rowers face backwards one oar in each hand. in a rowing team
and pull oars through the
water to propel their boat ROWING
as fast as possible. Typically, In sweep-oar rowing, each
rowing is done in rivers rower is responsible for one oar.
or lakes, but some rowers
even cross oceans. A sprayskirt
keeps the water
WHITE WATER RAFTING out of the boat.
SPORTS Groups can share the thrill of paddling an
inflatable raft down the rapids. CANOEING
White water is made when Canoeists use a paddle with one blade and are
rivers pass through rocky either in a sitting or kneeling position in their boat.
areas and create rapids.
Adrenaline-seekers try
to manoeuvre crafts
such as kayaks, canoes,
and rafts as they travel
down the turbulent rivers
in races, slaloms (winding
races), or just for fun.

ESKIMO
ROLL

Kayakers use
an eskimo roll
when they have
capsized to turn
the kayak the
right way up.

1 LEAN FORWARD 2 SWEEP 3 STABILIZE
Lean against the Sweep the paddle Use the paddle to

kayak and hold the through the water and make sure you are

paddle out of the water. rotate your hips to pull stable, then lift

the kayak up. your head and

body up.

INUIT PEOPLE CREATED K AYAKING
KAYAKS MORE THAN 4,000
Kayakers use a paddle
WHAYLEEABROSNAEGOORFWROOMOD with a blade at each
end to move quickly
through the water.

AND ANIMAL SKINS

267

Sailing Main sail ANATOMY OF A BOAT

Sailing has been a mode of transport for Knowing the names for different parts of
thousands of years. Today, it is also an exciting a boat is important when sailing, especially
sport and hobby, which requires quick thinking, if you are part of a team. It helps you to
confidence, and strength. Sailors take part in a communicate more clearly with each other
number of competitive races around the world, so that you can travel faster and stay safe.
although many sail the seas simply for fun.
Mast
SAILING CLOTHING

Special clothing helps sailors keep warm
and dry when on the water, especially in bad
weather. A buoyancy aid or life jacket is worn
to keep sailors safe if they fall into the water.

LIFE JACKET

BUOYANCY AID

DUNGAREES

JACKET

SAILING GLOVES

WETSUIT DINGHY SHOES FULL GLOVES YACHTING BOOTS

NAVIGATING

Tides, currents, and shallow waters can make the
ocean a dangerous place. Many sailors use GPS (Global
Positioning System) to plan their course, but in case this
fails, knowing how to navigate is a vital skill.

WIND DISPLAY DEPTH DISPLAY COMPASS
Shows the Helps sailors avoid Helps sailors keep
direction of track of the boat’s
the wind. water that is
too shallow. direction.

Boom Mainsheet
Stern

Dividers measure
distance on chart

COURSE PLOTTER NAUTICAL CHARTS
The plotter shows which compass points Charts are detailed maps of a sailing area,
with hazards and reference points shown.
to follow when it is placed over a map.

268

TYPES OF BOATS Spinnaker USING THE WIND WIND DIRECTION

Boats are organized by class, which is determined by their Sailors can adjust their sails to make the most of Close haul
length. Small boats are ideal for short-distance racing, as they the wind. The sails can be angled to capture the wind,
move quickly. Large boats are better for long-distance sailing as so the boat is pushed forwards in the direction it faces.
they can endure more treacherous seas than a small dinghy. A sailing boat can travel in any direction except straight
Here are some popular classes of boat. into the wind (the no-sail zone).

No-sail zone

KEY Close reach
Beam reach
No-sail zone
LASER CLASS 470 CLASS 49ER CLASS In this area the boat would be sailing
A popular 4.2 m (14 ft) A 4.7 m (15.4 ft) dinghy A 4.9 m (16 ft) dinghy with into the wind. The sails would not work
dinghy for solo sailing. CCA spinnaker for speed. and the boat would not move.
for a crew of two.
Close haul
The closest a boat can sail to the wind
without entering the no-sail zone. Both
sails are pulled in tight to the centreline.

Close reach

Similar to a close-hauled course, but the
boat is turned away a little more from
the wind and the sails are loosened further.

Beam reach Broad reach

Sails are eased halfway and the wind
is coming directly across the side of
the boat.

Broad reach Run

Sails are nearly full and the boat is on a
course away from the wind (downwind).

TORNADO CLASS OCEAN RACER AMERICA’S CUP CLASS Run
A 6.1 m (20 ft) catamaran A 24 m (79 ft) yacht used
with two body sections that (VOLVO 70) CLASS in the America’s Cup race Sails are full and the wind is directly
increase the boat’s speed. A 21.3 m (70 ft) yacht with between 1992 and 2007. behind the boat.

a 31.5 m (103 ft) mast.

STIAHNIAOLTINRHNINWETGRTNAFAHOERNTEFRASH1SPRE6POER0O,RL0RBATsTEAN,GTRDAIASONTNHER TACKING AND GYBING RECORD BREAKERS

There are two ways of turning a boat: tacking and Since sailing began as a sport several
gybing. Tacking is a safer, slower way of turning hundred years ago, many sailors have
as it allows more control of the sails. Gybing is set impressive around-the-world
faster and is especially good for racing. sailing records.

Spinnaker JOSHUA SLOCUM (CANADA),
1895–98
Foresail
The first person to sail solo around the world,
with just three stops.

ROBIN KNOX-JOHNSTON (UK), 1969

The first person to sail solo around the world
without stopping.

KAY COTTEE (AUSTRALIA), 1988

The first woman to sail solo around the world
without stopping.

ELLEN MACARTHUR (UK), 2005

Became the fastest person to sail solo around
the world without stopping, in 71 days, 14 hours,
18 minutes, and 33 seconds.

FRANCIS JOYON (FRANCE), 2008

Broke Ellen MacArthur’s record to become
the fastest person to sail solo around the
world without stopping, in 57 days, 13 hours,
34 minutes, and 6 seconds.

TACKING GYBING
Turn the boat to face upwind. Turn the boat to face downwind.

OCEAN RACING

Ocean races can be extremely challenging and dangerous. They require both
physical and mental strength, as sailors can be at sea for many weeks at a time.

ROUTE DU RHUM
Singlehanded racers must
work with fast winds in this
high-speed journey across

the Atlantic Ocean.

VOLVO OCEAN RACE
In this extreme race, nine-
person crews sail around

the world day and night.

Port side Bow
Starboard side

KEY VELUX 5 OCEANS SOUTH ATLANTIC RACE
Route du Rhum
Volvo Ocean Race This ambitious solo round-the-world Teams in this race must face the strong winds
Velux 5 Oceans
South Atlantic Race race takes more than 100 days to finish. and huge waves of the southern Atlantic Ocean.

269

Fishing WHERE TO FISH STILL WATER RUNNING WATER SALT WATER

Rain or shine, anglers spend hours waiting for a There are three main Ponds and Streams and Most saltwater
fish to take their bait. Some eat their catch, but types of fishing: freshwater lakes are home rivers are the fishing is from
many throw the fish back. So what is the big fishing (sometimes called place to catch boats close to
attraction? Anglers enjoy the peace and quiet, coarse fishing), saltwater to carp, pike, salmon, trout, shore or out at
pitting their wits against the fish, and having fishing, and fly-fishing. In and other bream, and sea. Anglers also
their skill rewarded. freshwater and saltwater freshwater perch. Anglers sit on sea walls,
fishing, anglers use baits fish from the
and lures to attract fish. In species. Anglers bank or wade in. or wade in
fly-fishing, they use imitation fish from the the shallows.
flies instead. Freshwater bank or a boat.
environments include ponds,
lakes, streams, and rivers.
Fly-fishing can happen in
fresh or salt water.

RODS, REELS, AND LINES MULTIPLIER REEL FIXED-SPOOL REEL FLY REEL FISHING LINES

A simple stick or length of bamboo can work as a rod,
with a line and hook tied on – but most anglers have
high-tech rods made of fibreglass or carbon fibre.
They come apart for easy carrying and are used with
a reel to wind in and stow the line. Multiplier reels
allow faster winding than fixed spools, as each
turn of the handle spins the drum several times.
Super-fast fly reels are used for fly-fishing.

FLOAT ROD (IN FOUR PIECES)

FISHING TACKLE Artificial fly See-through BAIT
lid with handle Lead shot
A tackle box with a handle is essential for Even everyday scraps of bread will
transporting equipment and keeping it all attract fish, but there are better baits
organized. The best designs open out so to use. Live types include worms and
that the compartments are tiered. maggots. Sweetcorn, seeds, grains, and
dog biscuits work well, too. “Boilies” are
processed bait balls, high in protein, that RED YELLOW
come in many colours and flavours. BOILIES BOILIES

Float DOG BISCUITS SWEETCORN WORMS WAX WORMS
LEAD WEIGHTS
Whistle to WEIGHTS
attract
Weights help bring the end of the line close to the fish.
attention in an Anglers use them to anchor the bait on the bottom or keep
emergency it at a particular depth. Most weights are made of a soft
metal called lead. Different shapes do different jobs. The
Lure smallest – split shot – slots, or crimps, on to the line under
a float to position it in the flow of water. The combination of
Float rig the line, hook, bait, and weight is called a rig.
with hook
Float
Catapult for
launching bait
into the water

Weight Bait
Hook
Hook

Weight SPLIT SHOT
WIRE
Fishing line in Sharp scissors and HAIR RIG FOR CARP CATFISH RIG
different weights other tools for tying flies
Carp are wary fish. The bait is Catfish can be huge. Live bait is
attached to the hook on a fine, fixed to the hook. The baited rig
weighted line. The fish sucks up is tied to a float that is secured
the bait without feeling the hook.
by a weight on the riverbed.

270

CASTING Rod bends BIGGEST CATCH WEIGHING
backwards
Few people get the hang of casting straight Big-game fishing happens out in the open All anglers want to know how much their
away, but practice makes perfect. Sending Rod catapults ocean. Tuna, marlin, and swordfish are catch weighs – so they can compete with
the fly, lure, or bait to where the fish are takes forwards popular targets, and the aim is to catch the each other, and with their own personal
good hand-eye co-ordination and strength. biggest fish possible. The record for the heaviest bests. For catch-and-release fishing, it is
Atlantic bluefin tuna was set in 1932 by English especially important to use scales that do
fisherman Edward Peel, using a rod and line. not cause any extra distress.

RECORD ATLANTIC
BLUEFIN TUNA, 1932

362 kg (798 lb)

Finger holds the OVERHEAD CAST Finger releases TRADITIONAL SCALES PORTABLE SCALES
reel as rod bends One of the simplest casts is the the reel as rod
overhead cast, used by all beginners. catapults forwards
backwards
WILD EYE SHAD
LURES FLOATS UNUSUAL FISHING
METHODS
Made of plastic, metal, or wood, lures Like weights, floats help suspend bait or a lure
are shaped and coloured to look like at a particular depth in the water. Some come People have caught fish throughout
irresistible little fish. Like a puppeteer, the ready-weighted, but others are used with lead history, gathering food from rivers and
angler works the line so the lures come to weights or shot. Lighter floats are ideal for still the sea just as they hunted animals on
life. Any predatory fish that falls for one water. Fast-moving water needs heavier floats. land. Over the centuries, people came
finds itself caught on the angler’s hook. up with many weird and wonderful ways
to catch fish.

ZANDER ON STILTS

ZALT ZAM Stilt fishermen in Sri Lanka
drive their poles into the sand
just offshore, then perch at the
top and cast their lines. This
technique means they disturb
the fish as little as possible.

USING SUCKER FISH STILTS

PROFESSOR SPOON SAMMY Remoras are suckerfish that
hitch a ride on larger fish. In
ERNIE FIRETAIL JELLYWORM Africa, some fishermen use them
on their fishing lines. When they
feel the remora has attached its
sucker to a big fish, they haul it in.

LURES ARE SOMETIMES WITH DOGS PORTUGUESE
DELIBERATELY DESIGNED TO WATER DOG
Fishermen along the coast of
LOOK DISTRESSED OR Portugal traditionally used water
INJURED – LIKE EASY PREY dogs to herd fish into their nets.

DEPTHS CHUG BUG POPPER USING CORMORANTS
Lures can be
PIKE LURE Chinese and Japanese fishermen
weighted to Pike will go use trained cormorants. A throat
“swim” at for a lure at snare stops the birds swallowing
any depth. bigger fish, but is loose enough
different depths, The lure has to let them eat smaller ones.
so that they to be on a
wire line as COLOURFUL FLOATS WITH DOLPHINS
appeal to specific a pike has a
predators. fierce bite. Bright colours attract fish A pod of dolphins in Laguna,
and also help the angler Brazil, helps the local fishermen CORMORANTS
keep track of where the by driving shoals of mullet
towards the shore. The dolphins
float is in the water. even leap out of the water to tell the people
the right moment to cast their nets.

FLY-FISHING ADULT MAYFLY DAMSEL NYMPH CARP FLY ATTRACTORS PIWI POPPER
(freshwater) (freshwater) (freshwater) (saltwater)
Fly-fishing began as a way of catching river Mimics dog-biscuit bait. Attractors are often brightly coloured.
salmon and trout. Today, it is popular for a The fly-angler usually moves them Rubber legs
huge range of fresh- and saltwater species. around a lot to tempt fish to attack. create movement
The angler uses fake flies to tempt the fish.
Some are cast on to the surface of the water Legs make ripples Big, buoyant eyes
(dry flies), and some into the water (wet flies). on the surface
Flies can be lifelike (deceivers) or come in
crazy colours (attractors).

SUPER BUZZER F-FLY DEPTH CHARGE CHERNOBYL ANT DEER HOPPER CACTUS BOOBY
(freshwater) (freshwater) (freshwater)
SUPREME (freshwater) CZECH MATES
(freshwater) Resembles a just-hatched (freshwater)
Looks like a midge pupa.
insect stranded on Mimics a caddis
the surface. fly larva.

WRIST ACTION SQUID WHITE SURF CANDY FLY WILLS SKITTAL TAN CREASE FLY
(saltwater) (saltwater) (saltwater) (saltwater)
In streams or rivers, the
fly-angler aims to cast the Looks like a squid. Imitates any baitfish. Imitates a shrimp.
fly upstream. Then it will
gently drift downstream
in a natural-looking way.

271

Combat KUNG FU: TAOLU
sports
Taolu is a form of kung fu in which competitors show off
Many sports, both ancient and modern, routines on a padded mat. Their moves include punches,
have their roots in traditional fighting balances, jumps, sweeps, and throws. Some moves are
techniques. These combat sports teach performed bare-handed, and some with weapons.
strength and discipline, and help students
learn how to defend themselves. Some TAOLU WEAPONS
are better known as martial arts.
In taolu, competitors handle various traditional
Chinese weapons. Working alone or in pairs,
they aim to be as graceful as possible.

GUN (TYPE OF STAFF), 210 cm (7 ft)

JIAN (SWORD), 103 cm (3.4 ft)

DAO (CURVED SWORD),
98 cm (3.25 ft)

TYPES OF COMBAT SPORTS NANDAO Swishing tassels
(BROADSWORD), emphasize the moves
Some combat sports have developed from very old ways of 97 cm (3.25 ft)
fighting, while others have been around for just a few decades. Chinese tunic
Most focus on one of three types of attack: punches, kicks, and Taijijian sword worn over
other strikes; throwing, holding, and pinning; or using weapons. is 110 cm loose trousers

PUNCHES, KICKS, AND OTHER STRIKES (3.6 ft) long

KUNG FU: TAOLU THAI BOXING
Kung fu takes many forms. Unlike Western boxers, Thai
The most popular is taolu, boxers attack with feet, elbows,
a form of wushu. and knees as well as fists.

KUNG FU: SANSHOU CAPOEIRA SEATED STANCE CROUCH STANCE HORSE STANCE
Sanshou is a Chinese martial African slaves in Brazil developed
art similar to kickboxing. It is capoeira. It looks like a dance, but In this stance, called xie bu, the This move, known as pu bu, This powerful position is
never practised with weapons. it is really a form of self-defence. competitor wraps one thigh is a very low squat. One arm known as ma bu in Chinese.
over the other. The front foot The tops of the thighs must
stays flat on the floor. arches over the head to
counterbalance the crouching. stay parallel to the floor.

KUNG FU: T’AI CHI TAEKWONDO BOXING FIGHTING GEAR
Based on slow, flowing The name of this 20th-century
movements, this is a gentle, Korean martial art means “the In boxing, two opponents try to punch each other, while avoiding Groin guards are
meditative form of kung fu. way of the foot and fist”. punches themselves. They score points for different punches to optional, but gloves
their opponent’s head and upper body. The winner is the boxer and mouth guards
BOXING K AR ATE who scores most points or who knocks out his or her opponent. must be worn. Head
The Ancient Greeks boxed, but Originating from Japan, karate is a guards are mandatory
modern boxing follows rules form of self-defence. Practitioners Padded for women’s contests.
set 150 years ago in England. do not use any weapons or props. glove
KARATE

THROWING, HOLDING, AND PINNING Head bobs GROIN
and weaves GUARD

JUJITSU WRESTLING GLOVES
This Japanese martial art drew As popular today as it was in
on ancient Indian and Chinese Ancient Greece and Rome, wrestling MOUTH
fighting techniques. involves one-to-one grappling. GUARD

JUDO SOMBO Shorts
Based on jujitsu, judo developed Very like wrestling, this Russian
in the 1800s. It involves throwing, combat sport also involves
grappling, and striking. punches and kicks.

SUMO WRESTLING WRESTLING HEAD
This sport is most associated GUARD
with Japan, but it originated in
China in the 3rd century BCE.

USING WEAPONS Boxing shoe

K AL ARIPAYIT ESKRIMA JAB HOOK UPPERCUT
One of the world’s oldest Meaning “skirmish”,
martial arts, kalaripayit eskrima was developed A stiff jab is the basic punch Hooks are delivered to the This powerful punch is
developed in Ancient India. in the Philippines in used by all boxers. For a side of the head or body. delivered on to the opponent’s
the 16th century. perfect jab, the boxer has The best hooks are those an
FENCING to fully extend his arm. opponent does not see coming. chin from below. It often
This sport developed from KENDO results in a knockout.
sword fighting in the 1500s. Full of ritual, this Japanese
Many of its terms are French. sport is based on kenjutsu,
an 11th-century form of
KYUDO sword-fighting.
Samurai warriors practised
an early form of kyudo, which KENDO
is similar to archery.

272

JUDO SUMO

In the Japanese art of judo, two In sumo wrestling,
opponents (called judoka) try to throw the aim is to stay in the
each other to the ground, pin each ring with only the feet
other down, or force touching the ground.
a submission. There The two opponents try
are no weapons, and to push each other off
kicks and punches balance or out of the
are not allowed. ring. The heaviest sumo
star, Konishiki Yasokichi,
Heavy cotton weighed 287 kg (633 lb)
jacket, known and was known as the
“Dump Truck”.
as an uwagi

Legwear Colour of belt shows TSURIYANE CANOPY Thick mawashi (belt)
called zubon the judoka’s rank has silk tassels
The canopy over the fighting arena
O1L9Y6JFUM4IDRGPOSIACTMISSSEPEASOENIRNNTOA.TFITOFTITKCWHYIAAEOLS looks like the roof of a Shinto shrine.
Shinto is an ancient Japanese religion.

YORIKIRI UWATENAGE HATAKIKOMI
As one wrestler charges, the
This move involves seizing In this attack, the wrestler
the opponent’s mawashi grips his opponent’s mawashi other steps to the side and
and trying to march then slaps the opponent’s back
him out of the ring. and pulls him down, while
turning his own upper body. or arm so he falls over.

FENCING Face mask

Two opponents face each other with special swords in Protective
this traditional sport. Matches take place on a narrow, jacket
raised platform, and the fencers score points by
White’s Blue’s touching target areas on their opponent’s torso.
score score
Scorer

Timer Stop-clock SCOREBOARD Flexible blade Hand guard

Corner judge Corner The scoreboard shows FIGHTING GEAR
Referee judge each judoka’s points,
Three swords are used in fencing. Beginners
which are called ippon, start with the foil. Master fencers usually
and their penalties. specialize in either the épée or the sabre.

FOIL, 110 cm (43 in) White Knee-length
EPEE, 110 cm (43 in) breeches socks
SABRE, 105 cm (41 in)
JUDO ARENA Flat-soled
Contest trainers
area In a competition, the first judoka
called to fight wears a blue judo
suit, and his or her opponent
wears white. Judges, referees,
timers, and scorers work
together to award scores.

Judoka

O-GOSHI KESA GATAME OKURI-ERI-JIME ATTACK PARRY RIPOSTE
After a parry, the follow-up
In the o-goshi, or hip throw, Many throws end with a Submissions are dangerous The fencer extends his or The parry is a defensive move counterattack is known as a
the judoka uses his or her pin. Kesa gatame involves moves. In okuri-eri-jime, the her sword arm towards the that blocks the opponent’s riposte. The name comes from
hip as a pivot point to throw wrapping an arm around opponent. A lunge forward attack and may expose him the French word for “reply”.
the opponent to the floor. judoka grips his or her or her to a counterattack.
the opponent’s neck. opponent in a stranglehold. adds force to the attack. 273

Knots Bight: the rope SHAPING THE ROPE
is doubled
Knowing how to tie knots is a fun skill that is Bending the rope into different shapes
useful in many situations. For activities such Loop: the helps to create different knots. The three
as climbing or sailing, ropes tied with the right rope forms a most commonly used rope shapes are
knots are vital for safety. More everyday uses circle without “bight”, “loop”, and “crossing turn”.
for knots range from putting up a tent to crossing itself
making decorations or even tying shoelaces. Crossing
turn: the rope
crosses itself
to form a circle

FIGURE 1 2 3 4 5
OF EIGHT
Under Over Under Pull
Easy to tie and untie,
the figure of eight is a Cross over Pull Tighten to finish
simple stopper knot that
can be used to stop rope
from slipping through a hole.
It is an important knot for
sailors and rock climbers.

REEF KNOT 1 Under 2 3 4 5

This binding knot is Over Bring together Under Under Pull Pull
quick to do. It is used
for securing rope or
string around an object,
so is perfect for tying
up parcels. Reef knots
are also known as
square knots.

Tighten to finish

CLOVE HITCH 1 In front 2 Behind 3 In front Under 4 Pull 5

The clove hitch is a binding Behind In front
knot that is used when only
one end of a rope is available Over
to work with. It is tied to
secure the end of a rope
to a post or similar, and is
often used by climbers.

Pull Tighten to finish

ROUND TURN 1 2 3 Under 4 Under 5
AND TWO HALF
HITCHES Behind In front In front Over Tighten to finish
Under
This is a weight-bearing
knot that could be used for Behind Over Under
attaching a rope to a fixed
object. For example, you
could tie a swing to the
branch of a tree using
this knot.

BOWLINE 1 Under 2 3 4 5

The bowline is a handy loop Under Pull
knot with many uses, from
mooring a boat to hanging Over
up a hammock. It is quick
to tie and untie.

Over Cross over Under Pull Tighten to finish

274

STOPPER KNOTS

These prevent a rope slipping through
a hole or unravelling at the end.
Stopper knots can also be used for
decoration. Some are tricky to undo.

WALL KNOT

DIAMOND STOPPER SINK STOPPER MANROPE STEVEDORE MONKEY’S FIST MATTHEW WALKER FIGURE OF EIGHT
TIMBER HITCH
BINDING KNOTS

Handy for many purposes, binding
knots are particularly useful for tying
things together in bundles. Some
types are ideal for making bows on
gift packages or tying shoelaces.

BOA CLOVE HITCH TURK’S HEAD THIEF PACKER’S

SAILOR’S
CROSS

TRUE LOVER’S REEF SLIPPED REEF SURGEON’S GRANNY TURQUOISE TURTLE SLIPPED REEF DOUBLE

BEND KNOTS

These knots are designed
to join two pieces of rope
together. They are used by
mountaineers on safety lines
and other pieces of climbing
equipment. Some bend knots
secure fastenings between
ropes of different thicknesses.

SHEET BEND CARRICK BLOOD TUCKED HUNTER’S LANYARD WATER DOUBLE FISHERMAN’S
BEND SHEET BEND BEND SHEET BEND

HITCH KNOTS COW HITCH ITALIAN HITCH

A hitch ties a rope to ROLLING SQUARE
something else, such HITCH LASHING
as a pole or a ring.
Fishermen often use
hitches to fasten hooks
on to fishing lines.

ICICLE HITCH SHEER KLEMHEIST BUNTLINE COW HITCH
LASHING HITCH WITH TOGGLE
SHEEPSHANK
THREADED
LOOP KNOTS FIGURE OF

Loop knots are used to EIGHT
attach ropes to other objects.
For this reason they are SPANISH
popular with climbers, BOWLINE
sailors, and fishermen.
PORTUGUESE ANGLER’S BOWLINE BASIC NET
JURY BOWLINE LOOP
MAST

BLOOD DROPPER ALPINE BUTTERFLY

275

Games CARD GAMES EUROPEAN CARDS

Long before the Internet, computer games, and TV, people Easy to carry and used all
invented games. Board and card games have been around over the world, packs of
for hundreds or even thousands of years and are as cards are the starting point
challenging and fun to play today as they ever were. for thousands of different
games. Digital versions of
TABLE-TOP GAMES many traditional games can
also be played online.
These competitive games have flat
boards, small pieces, and can take CARDS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
hours of concentration before European packs have 52 cards
someone wins. Over the years, in four suits — hearts, clubs,
games like these became a focus diamonds, and spades. Other
for social get-togethers. They are cards have pictures or shapes.
still a great way to gather people
round a table to have fun.

CHINESE CHEQUERS BACKGAMMON
The aim of this game is to race your coloured pegs across the
board to the opposite point of the star. You can move along one This game for two players is one of the
hole at a time or hop over pegs in your path. oldest in the world. It involves a mixture

of strategy and luck as players roll
dice and then decide how to move their
counters. The winner is the first player

to clear their pieces off the board.

SNAKES AND LADDERS GO GAME

Players throw a die to Go starts with an
move up the board and, empty board. Players
hopefully, land on a
ladder to skip rows. But place their stones
watch out for the snakes! where the lines cross
to build territories. Or

they surround and
capture enemy stones.

DRAUGHTS
The aim of this game is to grab all your
opponent’s pieces by jumping over them
diagonally as you cross the board.

PLAYING PIECES MANCALA
There are hundreds of
The earliest games were played different versions of mancala.

with anything that came to hand — Players move seeds or stones
pebbles, shells, sticks, and bones. along pits on the board and try
to collect the largest store.
Nowadays, many games have

written rules, boards, tiles, DOMINOES

counters, marbles, A domino set has 28 tiles, each with two sets of spots
representing numbers from zero to six. The players draw
or pegs. seven tiles and take turns to match the spots on tiles at the
ends of a line. The winner is the first to get rid of their tiles.

MAHJONG PICK-UP STICKS SOLITAIRE
In this ancient
Chinese game, The sticks are dropped in a heap and The aim of this game for one
four players take each player in turn tries to pull a stick person is to clear the board by
turns to pick up from the pile without disturbing the rest. jumping marbles over each other
and discard tiles. The player with the most sticks wins. to remove them. The game is
The aim is to complete when just one marble
collect sets of is left in the centre hole.
different types.

276

POPULAR CARD GAMES GAMES THROUGH THE AGES

In most games, winning is a mix of memory, Archaeologists have found ancient game pieces
skill, and luck in how the cards fall. that are more than 5,000 years old. Prehistoric
people played games even earlier, with bones
NAME TYPE PLAYERS OBJECTIVE that were used like dice.

Rummy draw-and-discard 2 or more combine cards into sets 3100 BCE

Bridge trick-taking 4 players highest score The oldest 3100 bce
known board
Poker trick-taking 2 or more hand rankings game, Senet is a Backgammon
favourite pastime
Patience building sets 1 player complete all 4 sets in Ancient Egypt. 3000 BCE
A board game similar to
backgammon is played.

JAPANESE HANFUDA OR FLOWER CARDS Canasta draw-and-discard 4 players highest score

A GAME OF CHESS Black queen CHESS CLOCKS Senet in 500 BCE
sits on black tomb painting
In a chess game, each player has a black or These clocks control the Pachisi, India’s national
white army and takes turns to move pieces to square time spent on each move. game, is mentioned
attack the other player’s king. The aim is to put The player stops his own in the epic poem
the king into checkmate — a position where he The Mahabharata.
cannot move to safety. Along the way, players timer after a move and
capture enemy pieces and try to keep their starts his opponent’s. 200 CE
own pieces safe. A pottery Go board from
600s this era has been found in
Shaanxi Province, China.
An ancestor of the
game of chess, 700s
Chaturanga is
referred to in Fragments
Indian writings. of early
mancala
Light square in 900s games have
back corner is Playing cards been found
always on player’s appear in China’s in Eritrea,
right-hand side Tang dynasty. Africa.

Front row Hnefatafl Mancala
has eight 1230
pawns 1200s
The Scandinavian The first mention of the
strategy game game of dominoes appears
Hnefatafl is in a Chinese text.

mentioned in the
Norse Saga.

1492 Draughts

Cribbage board A knight and lady

1600s are shown playing
A card game called
draughts in a
cribbage, played
with a scorekeeping medieval book.

CHESS BOARD SET-UP White queen King Bishop Knight Rook board, is invented. c.1850
The 16 pieces sit on black and white squares in two sits on white The Chinese game
rows with the eight pawns in the front row. In the back square 1886 mahjong is created
row, two bishops, two knights, and two rooks sit on The first World from earlier versions.
either side of the queen and the king. Chess Tournament
FULL SET OF BLACK PIECES 1874 Pachisi
CHESS PIECES is held.
Parcheesi, a
There are 32 pieces in a set – 1890s version of the
16 black and 16 white. Each Snakes and ancient Indian
player has one king, one queen, Ladders, based on game pachisi,
two rooks, two knights, two an ancient Indian is introduced
bishops, and eight pawns. game, becomes to the USA.
popular in Victorian
KING 1938
The most valuable piece England. Criss Cross Words (later
on the board, the king can Scrabble) is invented by
move one square in any 1970 a US architect.
direction. It cannot move A code-breaking
into a square occupied by QUEEN BISHOP 1978
a piece of the same colour The queen is the most The bishop is topped by game for two Space Invaders
or into “check” — a position powerful piece on the a mitre (bishop’s head- players called becomes a blockbuster
where it is under threat by board. She can move in dress). It can move any Mastermind is arcade video game.
an opposing player. any direction and for any distance diagonally as long
number of squares as long as its path is clear. The invented. 1980 Rubik’s
KNIGHT as her path is clear of her bishop starts on a light cube
The knight is useful own pieces. If she captures or dark square and must 1980 Rubik’s Cube
because it can jump an opponent’s piece her stay on the same colour Arcade game is launched
over pieces in its path. It move is over. throughout the game. and becomes
moves two squares in any Pac-Man is the world’s
direction and then sideways ROOK OR CASTLE PAWN released in Japan. best-selling
one square to the left or Sitting in the corner of Pawns are the smallest puzzle game.
right. In effect, it sits in the the board at the beginning and least valuable pieces. 1984
corner of a rectangle three of the game, the rook (or Throughout the game, a The Trivial Pursuit 2000
squares by two and jumps castle) can move backwards, pawn can move just one general knowledge
to the opposite corner. forwards, left, and right as square at a time forwards Computer gamers can set
far as it needs to. Its path from its starting position. game is a up home and choose how
has to be clear of pieces of But for its very first huge success. to live in The Sims, a
the same colour. The rooks move, the pawn has the follow-on from SimCity.
are often used to protect option of moving two 2004
each other. squares forward. World of Warcraft 2015 2011
The multi-award-winning
is created – a computer game Minecraft
MMORPG is released.
(massively

multiplayer online
role-playing game).

277

Magic PIECE OF
ROPE
Magicians perform tricks and illusions to amaze
an audience by making the impossible seem BOW TIE
possible and the unbelievable believable.
With practice and a little skill, anyone can
learn a few magic tricks to impress friends
and family. The golden rule of magic is
never to reveal how your trick works.

MAGIC TOOLS WAND

All magicians have a few SCARVES BAG OF
pieces of essential equipment COINS
in their tool box, as aids for
tricks and for showmanship.
A pack of playing cards and
a set of cups and balls are
probably the most important.
Wands are also popular.

PACK OF CUPS AND BALLS TOP HAT AND
CARDS RABBIT

DISAPPEARING 1 DRAW A CIRCLE 2 GLUE THE CIRCLE 3 PLACE THE OBJECTS
COIN TRICK Place the plastic cup Glue the paper circle to Place the cup upside

In this vanishing trick, you will
convince your audience that
a coin has disappeared, when
in reality it is hidden. You will
need scissors, two sheets of
paper or card, glue, a pencil,
a handkerchief, a coin, and a
clear plastic cup.

upside down on one of the the rim of the cup. You can down on the second piece

pieces of paper or card and discard the remains of the of paper or card. Put the

draw around it with your piece of paper or card. handkerchief and coin

pencil. Cut out the circle. there too.

4 BEGIN THE 5 HIDE THE COIN 6 SLOWLY REVEAL 7 NO COIN!
PERFORMANCE Completely cover the cup Gently remove the If you are careful, your

Now you are ready to begin the with the handkerchief and handkerchief from the cup, audience won’t guess that the

trick. Gather the audience, place it over the coin. You taking care not to move the coin is actually underneath

then put the handkerchief over might want to wave your wand cup itself. the paper circle.

TOPOMLLAAASCNKAEYERBSMEEUFARROEGEARICAEDLTYSLRTAYIACNORKDUTIRINNG the cup. or say some magic words now.

WATER TO ICE 1 ADD THE SPONGE 2 PLACE THE ICE 3 POUR THE WATER 4 VOILA!
Cut a piece of sponge Put a few ice cubes on top Ask your audience to Say some magic words or
This is a simple transformation trick.
You will need a paper cup, ice, sponge, to fit snugly inside your of the sponge in the base of watch you pouring water wave your wand, then tip the cup
scissors, and a small jug of water. Practise
first so you know how much water your paper cup. This will absorb the cup. Gather your audience from the jug into your cup, upside down and the ice cubes
piece of sponge will absorb.
the water you pour in. now, before the ice melts. making sure they can’t see will tumble out.
278
into the cup.

MAGIC EFFECTS MAGIC SKILLS MAGICIANS

There are thousands of Entertaining the audience is a magician’s The first stars of stage magic invented
different magic tricks and first task. Once the audience is under his their own amazing tricks. Today’s top
magicians are always thinking or her spell, the magician uses sleight of magicians continue this tradition,
up new ones. All magicians hand – distraction and deception – to make devising different illusions to delight
perform their magic using it appear that real magic is being performed. and enthral audiences.
effects. The simplest tricks
rely on just one effect, but PRODUCTION VANISHING THE GREAT LAFAYETTE
more complicated tricks use Making something – or The opposite of production – (1871–1911)
several effects at once. someone – appear out
making a thing or Lafayette was probably the most successful
of nowhere. person disappear. magician of his time. His speciality was
dramatic illusions, often performed with his dog
Beauty, a gift from Harry Houdini.

LEVITATION OR PREDICTION TRANSFORMATION SHOWMANSHIP HARRY HOUDINI HOUDINI
Seeming to know what is Changing one thing into A good magician amuses and entertains the audience. (1874–1926)
SUSPENSION about to happen, such as something else, such as
Making something or someone which card will be picked. a person into an animal. Props such as scarves come in useful, and so does The greatest escapologist
appear to fly or float in midair. “patter” – telling jokes or asking questions. the world has ever known,
Houdini could free himself from
anything – handcuffs, leg irons,
cages, straitjackets, prison cells,
and even a sealed milk can.

DANTE THE GREAT (1883–1955)

Dante’s amazing shows of tricks and illusions
included a huge cast of musicians, jugglers,
acrobats, birds, and animals.

CRISS ANGEL (1967–)

“Magician of the Century” Criss Angel’s stunts
include walking on water, floating between two
buildings, making an elephant disappear, and
being run over by a steamroller while lying on
a bed of glass.

RESTORATION ESCAPOLOGY TELEPORTATION SLEIGHT OF HAND DAVID BLAINE (1973–)
“Magically” repairing Escaping from restraints Moving something from one The magician takes advantage of “blind spots”
a torn or broken object. in the audience’s vision and uses fast, fluid hand Blaine performs amazing feats of endurance
such as handcuffs, or place to another without such as being encased in ice, buried alive, or
traps such as cages. seeming to handle it. movements to hide or disguise an action. surrounded by deadly electric currents.

RAISING 1 PREPARE 2 FOUR PILES 3 TOP THREE CARDS 4 DEAL ONE CARD 5 REVEAL THE ACES
ACES THE DECK Ask your volunteer to Ask the volunteer to Have your volunteer deal Ask your volunteer to turn

This teleportation
trick makes it look
as though you can
conjure up the aces
from a pack of cards.
Carry out the first
step in secret, then
ask for a volunteer.

Remove all four aces divide the pack into four choose one of the three piles one card from their pile on to over the top card of each pile

and place them on roughly equal piles. Keep that don’t contain the aces. each of the other three piles. to reveal the four aces.

the top of the pack track of which pile contains Get him or her to take the top Then repeat this for the other

face down. the aces. three cards and move them piles without aces, and finally

to the bottom of the pile. for the pile with aces.

HEAT IS ON 1 GATHER THE AUDIENCE 2 MIX THEM UP 3 MISLEAD THE AUDIENCE 4 SHOW THE COIN
Ask an audience member Ask your volunteer to Pick up each coin and The coin that is warm to the
This coin trick uses the effect of prediction
to make your audience believe you to pick a coin from the bag, put the coin back in the bag, look at it, pretending to touch is the one your volunteer
have hidden mind-
reading powers. hold it tightly and think hard then tip out all the coins. concentrate hard. picked up, of course!
You will need
a bag of cool
coins – put
the coins in the
fridge for a few
minutes before
you start.

about its appearance.

THE MAGIC
STRING

This trick uses the
effect of restoration
to appear to make a
cut piece of string
whole again. You will
need a short length
and a longer length of
string and scissors.

1 SHORT STRING 2 LONG STRING 3 CUT THE STRING 4 HIDE IT 5 RESTORE THE STRING
Take the short Place the longer length Ask a volunteer to Secretly tuck the cut Show your audience the long

length of string and in your left hand below the cut through the loop that’s pieces into the palm of string while keeping the shorter

hide it in the palm shorter, so the shorter loop sticking out. your hand and pull out length hidden in your hand.

of your left hand. sticks out. the long string.

279

Horse riding RIDING GEAR SHOW JACKET LONG BOOTS

There are many ways to enjoy riding a horse, A safety hat or helmet is
from playing team games and jumping over the most important part
obstacles to going for a quiet canter in the of a rider’s clothing. Boots
countryside. Learning how to look after and should have a low heel to
handle a horse safely and correctly is part stop the feet from slipping
of becoming a good rider. through the stirrups. Chaps
(leggings) worn over riding
trousers or jodhpurs
protect the lower legs.

PROTECTIVE HAT GLOVES HALF CHAPS JODHPUR BOOTS

TACK RUBBER
SNAFFLE BIT
The equipment worn by a horse
is known as tack. The bridle, Numnah absorbs Curb PELHAM BIT
which has a mouthpiece called sweat and helps to chain
a bit, allows the rider to control protect horse’s back
the horse’s head. The saddle
spreads the rider’s weight evenly Reins
across the horse’s back. There
are many different styles of tack JOINTED Tongue
for different purposes. SNAFFLE BIT groove

Saddle RUBBER
PELHAM BIT

Bit passes JOINTED EGGBUTT KIMBLEWICK BIT
through SNAFFLE BIT

horse’s mouth WESTERN
BRIDLE

BRIDLE

Stirrup

Girth holds saddle
in position

RACING DRESSAGE ENGLISH WESTERN
SADDLE SADDLE SADDLE SADDLE

PUTTING ON A SADDLE

It is important to know how to put on a saddle
correctly. A badly positioned saddle can hurt a
horse’s back and be unsafe for the rider. Both
before and after mounting, the rider should
check that the girth (the strap that goes
under the horse’s belly) is tight enough.

1 POSITION THE SADDLE 2 PICK UP GIRTH 3 FASTEN BUCKLES
Place the saddle pad or numnah and Bring down the girth on the far Buckle the girth to the straps

saddle further forwards than the final side and pick up the end from the on the saddle. Pull it tight but without

position. Move both backwards together. near side. Make sure it is not twisted. wrinkling the horse’s skin.

GROOMING TOOLS HOOF OIL HOOF PICK FEEDING A HORSE
HOOF OIL BRUSH
There are various specially designed tools The natural food of horses is grass, but a hard-working
for grooming horses. They include a stiff horse needs more. Extra foodstuffs include hay for fibre,
“dandy” brush and a rubber curry comb grains such as oats, and nutritious pellets and mixes.
for cleaning off mud, softer brushes for
removing dust and scurf, and a pick
for dislodging dirt from hoofs.

SWEAT SCRAPER HAY ALFALFA

BODY BRUSH DANDY BRUSH SPONGE RUBBER CURRY COMB PELLETS COARSE MIX

280

MOUNTING DISMOUNTING

For a new rider, the first challenge is getting into the saddle. Getting off a horse feels easier than getting on. However, for
Learning how to mount a horse quickly and safely takes lots safety and the horse’s comfort, the correct technique must be
of practice. The rider should always begin from the left-hand used. The rider dismounts on the near side and should never
or “near” side of the horse. attempt to jump off while the horse is moving.

1 LIFT FOOT 2 HOP 3 SPRING 1 FEET OUT 2 SWING 3 SLIDE
Face the horse’s rear. Hold the front of the saddle Spring up and swing the Holding the front of the Lift the right leg and Slide or drop down the

Hold the stirrup in the right and hop round to face forwards. right leg over the horse’s back. saddle, take both feet out of swing it carefully over the horse’s side and land lightly,

hand and put the left foot in it. Use the right arm for support. Land gently in the saddle. the stirrups and lean forwards. horse’s back. facing forwards.

THE HIGH-JUMP FOUR PACES
RECORD FOR
2.47 M Horses have four main natural paces, or ways of moving
A HORSE IS IN) at different speeds. These are walk, trot, canter, and
(8 FT 1¼ gallop. At each pace, the horse’s feet touch the ground
in a repeated sequence of steps.

WALK: AVERAGE SPEED 5–6.5 KM/H (3–4 MPH)

TROT: AVERAGE SPEED 13–16 KM/H (8–10 MPH)

CANTER: AVERAGE SPEED 16–27 KM/H (10–17 MPH)

GALLOP: AVERAGE SPEED 40–48 KM/H (25–30 MPH)

JUMPING HORSE SPORTS POLO STEEPLECHASE DRESSAGE
Team game in which riders
Learning to jump on horseback Games and sports with horses strike a ball with mallets.
is one of the biggest thrills for any are popular worldwide. They
rider. Most horses find it fun, too. include racing, team games, and
competitions between individual
riders, such as jumping and
cross-country events.

Race over obstacles such Competition to show how

as fences and ditches. well a horse moves.

EVENTING HARNESS RACE HORSEBALL RODEO
Sport combining dressage, cross- Racing with two-wheeled
country riding, and showjumping. Team game in which riders Contest based on
carts called sulkies.
shoot a ball into a net. traditional cowboy skills.

281



History

The first humans EARLY TOOLS

Millions of years ago, a group of apes began to walk upright. They Early humans learned how to make tools
were our ancestors, the first human-like animals on the planet. by striking a stone with another one to
Over time, their bodies adapted to walking upright and their brains make a cutting edge. Humans began to
grew larger, until finally they evolved into our species, Homo sapiens. make different tools for different tasks,
such as digging, sawing, or opening nuts.

LATE ARRIVALS 00:01 10:27 17:37 41:45 51:12 ON TWO FEET

Our planet was formed just Earth’s Oldest rocks First First First Humans walk on two legs, unlike other primates
over 4.5 billion years ago. crust on Earth’s bacteria seaweed jellyfish (apes), who are either climbers or walk using all
If the whole of Earth’s forms surface four feet. As a result of walking upright, humans’
history were squeezed into bodies have developed very differently from
an hour, most life forms 53:25 those of their ape relatives.
would not develop until the
last ten minutes. Humans First GORILLA HUMAN
would not appear until the fish
very last fraction of the last 54:59 57:07 59:58.8 59:59.9
second of the hour.
First First First First modern SMALL HANDAXE
insect mammal
human human

ancestor appears

OUT OF AFRICA NECK ANTLER
The human neck sits directly under the skull so the HAMMER
Homo sapiens, our species, first evolved in Africa around 150,000 years ago. head balances at the top of the spine. A gorilla’s neck
About 100,000 years later, they began to move away to make new settlements,
until humans were living on all the world’s continents, except Antarctica. meets the head from the side.

15,000 YEARS AGO

NORTH 40,000 25,000
AMERICA YA YA

12,000 EUROPE Pacific
YA Ocean
40,000 ASIA
YA 50,000
YA
13,500 150,000 60,000 SPINE FLINT BLADE SAW
YA YA YA The human spine has developed extra curves at the
neck and lower back, so it can absorb the impact better
Indian
when the person walks or runs.

AFRICA Ocean HOW TO MAKE A HANDAXE

SOUTH Atlantic HOMO SAPIENS It took skill and experience to select a
AMERICA Ocean suitable stone, then chip it to make
Evolved in East a sharp, usable tool.
120,000 Africa around
YA 200,000
years ago.

AUSTRALIA

ANTARCTICA

KEY FEET 1 Selected stone 2 Large flakes
A gorilla’s big toe is on the side of the foot, to help it is struck with are removed
Migration of climb trees. Human feet have aligning toes and longer
Homo sapiens a stone “hammer”. next to the first.
around the world heels, to support weight evenly while we walk.
YA = Years ago

7 MYA (million years ago) 4.1 MYA 2.2 MYA 600,000 YA 150,000 YA
Sahelanthropus tchadensis Australopithecus Homo habilis Homo Homo sapiens
Thought to be last common afarensis Called habilis (Latin Evolved in Africa, then
ancestor of both chimps Thought to be the for “handyman”) heidelbergensis spread worldwide,
and humans. ancestor of the because they may Higher, broader becoming the only
genus Homo, to have been the first surviving species of
6.1 MYA which modern species to use tools. skull to protect a the Homo genus.
Orrorin tugenensis humans belong. larger brain than
Possibly the first ape
to walk on two legs. earlier species.

Australopithecus Homo sapiens
afarensis

8 MYA PRESENT

HUMAN ANCESTORS 3.3 MYA 1 MYA 350,000 YA
Australopithecus Homo erectus Homo
About 7 million years ago, the ape africanus As tall as modern neanderthalensis
family split into two branches – one Ape-like, with a humans, with a Excellent hunters
would lead to chimpanzees, and the small brain but similar build. and tool-makers
other was the line of human-like apes human-like teeth. who thrived in the
(hominins) that would eventually evolve Homo erectus colder climate
into modern humans. of Europe.

Homo neanderthalensis

284

Point for HUNTER-GATHERERS ANCIENT MONUMENTS
digging
Early humans had to find food either by hunting animals, or by gathering Many prehistoric sites still exist around
wild plants. They developed tools to help them, from diggers for rooting the world. It is difficult to know exactly
out edible plants from the soil to harpoons for spearing fish. what some sites were used for, as they
were built long before humans started
Sharp edge keeping written records.
for cutting
STONEHENGE, ENGLAND

A ring of gigantic stones, built about 5,000 years
ago, as part of an ancient burial ground, or as a
place of worship.

CARNAC, FRANCE

A small area of three fields, containing more
than 3,000 granite megaliths (standing stones),
arranged in rows.

GGANTIJA TEMPLES, MALTA

Two remarkably well preserved structures,
built from limestone during the Neolithic Age
(c.3600–3200 BCE).

GOBEKLI TEPE, TURKEY

The world’s oldest known temple, built about
11,000 years ago near the ancient city of
Şanlıurfa.

NEWGRANGE, IRELAND

A Neolithic burial site featuring a huge, circular
mound containing a tomb and surrounded by 97
highly decorated stones.

BARBED SPEAR TIP
HARPOON

ADZE (WOOD FLINT REINDEER DIGGING STONE CIRCLE AT STONEHENGE
CUTTER) ARROWHEADS TYPICAL BREAD
ANTLER SPEAR TOOL

HANDAXE FIRST FARMERS PART OF A STONE SICKLE
A general-purpose BREAD OVEN For cutting crops.
tool, the first to be Gradually, humans learned
made by humans. that instead of moving
around, constantly looking
for food, they could stay
in one place and become
farmers, growing crops
and raising animals
to eat. Farming
changed forever
the way humans lived.

IRON SICKLE BRONZE
SICKLE

3 Each side is 4 Smaller flakes
worked in turn removed to make

until tool takes shape. edges and tip sharper. STONE AXE REPLICA OF STONE QUERN
Used to clear trees before planting crops. For grinding wheat to make bread.

ART HORSE HEAD CARVING CARVED BONE SHOWING BISON HUNT

Early humans created the world’s first art.
They used paint made from coloured minerals
in rocks to draw animals on the walls of their
caves. They also carved animals or human
figures out of rocks and bones.

CAVE PAINTING, FRANCE MAMMOTH CARVING PAINTED POT, ROMANIA CARVED FEMALE FIGURES, OFTEN MARBLE
CALLED “VENUS FIGURINES” FIGURE, GREECE

285

BETWEEN TWO RIVERS Early civilizations

The region of Mesopotamia lay in the fertile The world’s earliest civilization emerged more than 6,000 years
flood plain between the rivers Tigris and ago in an area of Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) called Sumer.
Euphrates. The name Mesopotamia means For the first time, people lived and worked together in cities,
“between two rivers” in Greek. governed by a king who made laws that everyone had to follow.

MESOPOTAMIA Nineveh
Nimrud

River River Tigris
Euphrates

Akkad FROM HUNTING
Babylon Kish TO FARMING

KEY Nippur When roaming hunter-
Sumer region Uruk Lagash gatherers started planting
crops, they began to settle in
Eridu Ur one place and made farming
tools instead of hunting
weapons. Villages, towns, PLOUGH
and eventually cities
SUMER were established. ADZE HEADS
Sumer was not a single country but a
collection of city-states that competed ADZE (TOOL FOR SHAPING WOOD)
with each other for control of the region.

GREAT CITIES BABYLON’S WONDERS ISHTAR GATE ETEMENANKI ZIGGURAT HANGING GARDENS
Gigantic main entrance
As the Sumerian settlements grew, they In 580 BCE King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon to the city, designed to Temple of Marduk, patron Majestic terraced
formed cities, some of which became built a number of huge buildings in his capital, inspire awe in visitors. god of Babylon. Rebuilt garden, one of the
large and powerful city-states. Each turning Babylon into the most magnificent after it was destroyed in Seven Wonders of
city-state had its own leader, who ruled city in the ancient world. about 689 BCE. the Ancient World.
on behalf of the city’s god.

URUK

Uruk was one of the first major cities in the
world. Its most famous king was Gilgamesh,
who was also the hero of one of the world’s first
known poems, The Epic of Gilgamesh.

AKKAD

This city was the centre of the world’s first
empire. In 2330 BCE, the Akkadians conquered
many of their neighbouring city-states and took
control of Mesopotamia.

BABYLON

The capital of the Babylonian Empire. At its
peak around 550 BCE, the city’s population was
about 200,000.

NIMRUD

For a time, the capital of the Assyrian Empire.
The magnificent palace of King Shalmaneser III
covered over 50,000 sq m (538,196 sq ft) and
had more than 200 rooms.

UR

Site of a huge ziggurat (pyramid-shaped temple)

and the Royal Tombs, which contained some of

the finest Mesopotamian art
TeFvHIeRrEdTSisHScTToUEveHCMrYeAEdEE.LMAREIRNOAODINNANSTR’SOCBRM1YE2OAD,VTBIEVEAMDISDEETINDNHTGEOSN
3300 BCE 3000 BCE 2334 BCE C.2100 BCE Ziggurat 539 BCE
The great at Ur Mesopotamia
7000 BCE 5300 BCE Sumerians Egypt: the King Sargon of ziggurat becomes part
People start to Large villages invent a form pharaohs Akkad conquers Figure of (temple) of Persia.
grow crops on and small of writing. unite Egypt Sumer, creating Sumerian built at Ur.
into a single the world’s priest 500 bce
a large scale towns appear state. first empire.
753 BCE
in Mesopotamia. in Sumer. Brick with inscription City of Rome
founded.
7000 bce

CRADLE OF CIVILIZATION 4000 BCE 3200 BCE 2800 BCE 2600 BCE 2200 BCE C. 2500–2000 BCE 1300–1200 BCE
China: first Huge cemetery Assyrians
The plain between the two great rivers of The Sumerians Greece: Peru: Northwest kingdom complex built at Ur. conquer much
Mesopotamia was very fertile, with rich soil, build several earliest earliest India: Indus established. of Mesopotamia.
a warm climate, reliable rainfall, and a wide cities in civilizations civilization civilization
range of plants and animals. It was the southern appear. in the reaches
perfect place for early humans to put away Mesopotamia. Americas. its peak.
their hunting spears and settle down in
farming communities instead. Ornament from Sedu
Royal Graves, Ur (Assyrian god)

286

CODE OF LAW DAILY LIFE

King Hammurabi of Babylon laid down a set of strict rules Cups, bowls, and vases for everyday use were made of
clay, but richer homes used vessels made of stone or
that is one of the oldest recorded codes of law in the world. metal. Silver was imported from nearby Anatolia to
make luxury tableware.

NO RUNAWAYS HANDS OFF! TEMPLE OF DOOM

If you helped a If a son hit his If you stole from
slave to run away, father, his hands a temple, you
you would be put would be
would be
to death. chopped off. sentenced to death.

BRONZE BULL’S HEAD SILVER BOWL STONE POT ALABASTER VASE

INVENTION OF
THE WHEEL

Nobody knows exactly when
the wheel was invented, but
they were in use in Sumer by
3500 BCE. Sumerians used
the wheel vertically on their
chariots, and horizontally
to make clay pots.

RECONSTRUCTION OF SOAPSTONE TUMBLER SCORPION DESIGN CUP CYLINDER SEAL (LEFT) WITH IMPRESSION (RIGHT) OF GODS FIGHTING LIONS
AN EARLY WHEEL

GODS AND EARLY WRITING WEALTH AND POWER
RELIGION
The first known form of writing Much of the Mesopotamian art and crafts that survives
The Sumerians worshipped comes from Sumer. The first today was found in a royal cemetery in the city of Ur.
many gods, but the most symbols were recognizable These treasures tell us about the skill and artistry of
important were the pictures of objects the craftsmen who made them, as well as the wealth
guardians of each city-state. (pictograms), but these of the people buried with their valuable possessions.
Gods were worshipped in developed into a system
huge temples called of simpler wedge shapes, Hair comb
ziggurats, which dominated called cuneiform.
the flat landscape for miles. Gold willow
leaves
PICTOGRAPH CUNEIFORM SILVER HAIR COMB
C.3100 BCE C.700 BCE
FLY MOTIF
NECKLACE

WATER

UTU HAND
God of the Sun and of justice.

Crescent-shaped
earrings

BARLEY

BREAD

ENLIL DAY
God of wind and storms.

WAR AND WARRIORS Beaded
cape
The different city-states of Mesopotamia competed with one
another for land and vital resources, such as water, and this QUEEN PUABI’S FINERY Belt “RAM IN A THICKET”
often led to fighting and BEAD BELT Gold, silver, shell, and lapis
war. Warring cities
began to organize ram and shrub.
trained groups of men
to fight – the world’s
first armies. Soldiers
wore bronze or leather
helmets, and carried
large shields and
bronze spears or
bows and arrows.

ARCHERS ON A CHARIOT

287

FAMOUS KHUFU KHAFRA TUTANKHAMUN
PHARAOHS Reigned c.2589–2566 BCE Reigned c.2558–2532 BCE Reigned c.1336–1327 BCE
Khufu’s son. His face may The famous boy-king came
The kings and queens of Builder of the Great be the model for the Sphinx. to the throne when he
Ancient Egypt did not call Pyramid at Giza. was just nine years
themselves pharaohs, but that old. His fabulous
is the name we use today. They gold mask was
wielded an enormous amount found in his tomb.
of power. They made every law,
held the title of highest priest in HATSHEPSUT
the land, and were worshipped Reigned c.1473–1458 BCE
as though they were gods.
One of only a few
female pharaohs.

TUTHMOSIS III AMENHOTEP III AKHENATEN RAMESES II CLEOPATRA VII
Reigned c.1479–1425 BCE Reigned c.1390–1353 BCE
Great military leader who Reigned c.1353–1336 BCE Reigned c.1279–1213 BCE Reigned 51–30 BCE
Helped to make
never lost a battle. Egypt prosperous. Rejected traditional Ordered many huge Last pharaoh. Killed herself

Egyptian gods. building projects. after defeat by Rome.

Ancient Egypt

More than 5,000 years ago, two regions of the Nile

river valley – Upper and Lower Egypt – were united

under a common ruler. This was the birth of the

empire of pharaohs and pyramids, one of the greatest

powers of the ancient world. PAYNRDCAMIIMESONCIRDOTESVETEHGHRAYAEVPDNTEI9BA0ENEN

PYRAMIDS Gallery Airshaft THE RIVER NILE ROWING BOAT
Wooden boats were
When an Egyptian ruler died the King’s Living along both banks of the Nile, the used for transport
body was buried inside a massive chamber Egyptians occupied a rare fertile strip
pyramid. Taking up to 30 years of land amid vast areas of desert. Their and fishing.
to build, pyramids went through lives depended on the river. Regular
various changes of design over the flooding left deposits of rich soil that Furled sail
centuries. People who were not was excellent for farming grain crops.
royal were buried in simpler tombs. Rudder for
steering

MASTABA STEPPED PYRAMID Underground ”BENT” PYRAMID
Box-like brick or An early model, built chamber Midway between
stepped and smooth.
stone grave. in layers. SMOOTH-SIDED PYRAMID
The classic structure, cased Priest wears
Jackal god mask
with blocks of limestone.

MUMMY-MAKING Linen
wrapping
The Ancient Egyptians believed that a dead person’s soul needed
its body in the afterlife. Mummifying – which only the rich could
afford – was an elaborate way of preserving a body to stop it
crumbling away.

1 PRESERVING 2 WASHING 3 PROTECTING 4 WRAPPING 5 BURIAL
After removal, the organs Once dry, the body was Protective amulets, like Strips of fine linen were The mummy was put in an inner, body-

were preserved in canopic jars – washed in wine and rubbed this symbolic pillar, were wrapped around the entire body shaped case and then an outer coffin, both

pots topped with a god’s head. with scents and oils. placed with the body. and coated with resin. decorated with pictures and symbols.

288

GODS AND ATUM EVAHENARCDYIEITTNOSTWOENWGYINNPT 3000 bce HISTORY OF
GODDESSES Lord of Heaven LOCAL GOD ANCIENT EGYPT

There were many gods and SHU TEFNUT EARLY DYNASTIC The Ancient Egyptian civilization
goddesses for an Ancient God of Air and Winds Goddess of Rain PERIOD lasted for more than 3,000 years,
Egyptian to worship. This with hundreds of different rulers,
“family tree” shows how some NUT GEB c.3000–2686 BCE both good and bad. Historians have
of the major gods descended Goddess of the Sky God of the Earth Organized divided up this very long timespan
from Atum, who the Egyptians into major dynasties (ruling
believed created everything. ISIS SET NEPHTHYS government under families), kingdoms, and periods.
Mother God of Deserts Protector of the rule of the
OSIRIS goddess The Sphinx at Giza
Supreme god and Trouble the Dead pharaohs begins.
People start to Slab for mixing ointment,
made around 2000 BCE
use hieroglyphs.
Bead collar
OLD KINGDOM
2686–2125 BCE Arrowheads

The great pyramids Statuette
and the Sphinx are of slave girl

built at Giza. Bronze statue, which may
have held a cat mummy
1ST INTERMEDIATE
Coin showing
PERIOD the head of
2160–2055 BCE Cleopatra
Many power struggles
between dynasties.

HORUS ANUBIS
God of the Sky God of the Dead

HIEROGLYPHS a a b kh h tj MIDDLE KINGDOM
2055–1650 BCE
Ancient Egyptian writing
used pictures or signs Life is more settled.
called hieroglyphs. Each Improved irrigation
one could mean a sound, produces better crops.
a word, or an action. The
“alphabet” seen here d a/i
shows some hieroglyphs
and how they might be g h kh j k m n w/u 2ND INTERMEDIATE
pronounced today. Instead fs PERIOD
of writing on paper, the p k r sh s t
Egyptians used flattened BEAD NECKLACE 1650–1550 BCE
sheets of a type of reed More unrest, with
called papyrus. wars and invasions.

Mediterranean Sea JEWELLERY NEW KINGDOM
Nile Delta 1550–1069 BCE
The Ancient Egyptians prized
LOWER Giza jewellery. Rings, necklaces, and Egypt conquers many
EGYPT amulets in the form of sacred lands. Famous
symbols were popular. Jewellery
RIVER NILE worn by rich people was often pharaohs include
made of gold and valuable stones. Tutankhamun.
30 bceWINGED
Abydos SCARAB AMULET 3RD INTERMEDIATE
Red Sea PERIOD
UPPER Elephantine
EGYPT 1069–664 BCE
Assyrians
SAHARA NUBIAN
DESERT conquer Egypt.

Egyptian Empire LATE PERIOD
1549–1069 BCE 664–332 BCE

Time of much
temple building and
animal mummifying.

PTOLEMAIC DYNASTY
332–30 BCE

Cleopatra VII, the last
pharaoh, dies. Rome

conquers Egypt.

GOLD AMULET EARRING FINGER RINGS

Painted mummy case, Scenes from the Spread wings were a Traditional sacred symbols
portraying the dead person Underworld common decoration of cross and pillar

289

TIMELINE 1450 BCE 1350 BCE Greek soldiers hid
Mycenaeans invade At the peak of the in a wooden horse to
The Ancient Greek civilization existed Crete and occupy Mycenaean period,
for 2,500 years. The Greeks built huge the Minoan palaces. the city of Mycenae defeat the Trojans
city-states, formed new colonies, and They also build has a population of
fought many battles before they were their own palace around 30,000. 1184 BCE
finally conquered by the Romans. settlements in the According to Homer, Greece
Peloponnese region. defeats Troy in a war that has
lasted more than ten years.
2200–1450 BCE Model of a Fortified palace of Mycenae
Height of Minoan Minoan house
palace culture in Crete.

2500 bce

MINOAN PERIOD MYCENAEAN PERIOD DARK AGES

2500–1600 BCE 1600–1200 BCE 1200–800 BCE
Minoan civilization flourishes in Crete. The Minoans are The Mycenaeans build fortified palaces. Armed with bronze The Mycenaean culture collapses around
1200 BCE, and Greece enters a dark age. Settlements
clever traders and build large palace complexes, but weapons, they expand into Crete, but their cities fall become smaller and there are no written records.
these are destroyed by invaders. to new invaders from the north.

Ancient CITY-STATES

Greece TROY For most of its history, Ancient
Greece was divided into city-
The Greeks were one of the most advanced DELPHI states. Each city ruled the
civilizations in the ancient world, inventing villages and farmlands around
politics, philosophy, theatre, athletics, and it with their own system of
the study of history. Their stories and plays government and chose one
still exist today, along with the remains of god as a special protector.
beautiful temples and buildings.
OLYMPIA CORINTH THEBES

ATHENS WARRING STATES
The city-states of Athens and Sparta
MYCENAE were bitter rivals and fought several
SPARTA wars against each other.

THE CITY-STATE OF ATHENS
WAS 20 TIMES LARGER

KNOSSOS THAN THE SMALLEST

GREEK COMMUNITIES

DAILY LIFE SILVER COIN FROM GOLD THE PARTHENON
ATHENIAN COIN
Farmers and fishermen provided food, while This marble temple dedicated to the goddess
in the city, traders sold leather goods, pots, Athena is one of the world’s finest
weapons, and jewellery. Well-born women monuments. Built between 447
ran the household, helped by slaves. and 432 BCE, it has 85 Doric
columns and a coloured
KNOSSOS ALEXANDRIAN COIN frieze showing
a procession.

GOLD Statue of Athena
EARRING covered in gold
and ivory
REPLICA OF A
GREEK PENDANT

FISH PLATE

OLYMPIC GAMES DAY 1

The Olympic Games were held in On the first day of the
honour of the god Zeus. They took games, competitors and
place every fourth year from judges swore an oath to
776 BCE at a site called Olympia. compete fairly, and boys
took part in running
and boxing contests.

SMALL POT FOR WINE JUG
OIL OR PERFUME

MODELS DRESSED AS ANCIENT GREEKS

DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5

The second day was On the third day, 100 oxen Wrestling and boxing On the final day, the
filled the fourth day. winning athletes
for chariot and horse were sacrificed to Zeus. Pankration was a kind
of wrestling in which went to the Temple
races and the Running races included kicking and strangling of Zeus to be
crowned with
pentathlon – long the 200-metre “stade” were allowed. olive wreaths.

jump, discus, javelin, race – the oldest contest

SANDAL-SHAPED POWDER BOX EARTHENWARE CLASSICAL running, and wrestling. in the games.
PERFUME BOTTLE COOKING STOVE OIL POT

290

800–775 BCE 750–700 BCE 620–510 BCE 490 BCE 371 BCE Alexander
The Greeks create new The first great works Many Greek The Persian King Darius I General Epaminondas defeats the Great
colonies in the eastern of Greek literature are invades Greece, but is the Spartans at Leuctra. on his horse
composed by Homer – city-states defeated by the Athenians Thebes becomes Greece’s Bucephalus
Mediterranean and The Iliad and The Odyssey. are ruled by at the Battle of Marathon. most powerful city-state.
southern Italy. tyrants who hold
absolute power. 431–404 BCE 338 BCE
Sparta and Athens fight Philip, King of Macedon,
Greek trireme Oil lamp decorated with the Peloponnesian War, 334–323 BCE 31 BCE
images from The Odyssey defeats Athens and Philip’s son Alexander Rome captures
with great loss of life Thebes at Chaeronea, and the Great invades all the Greek
on both sides. conquers most of Greece. and conquers the colonies,
Persian Empire. ending with
Egypt in 31 BCE.

31 bce

ARCHAIC PERIOD CLASSICAL PERIOD HELLENISTIC PERIOD

800–500 BCE 500–323 BCE 323–31 BCE
By around 800 BCE, Greece begins to recover. City-states hold During the classical period, literature, art, Alexander the Great begins the Hellenistic
politics, athletics, and theatre flourish, especially Age in 323 BCE, and Greek culture spreads
political power, backed by armies of citizen-soldiers.
The Greeks begin to found colonies abroad. around the main centre, Athens. throughout the Middle East.

GODS WAR AND ARMOUR WEAPON
CALLED
The Greeks had many gods, ruled over The main fighting force of the Greek city-states “KOPIS” IN
by Zeus and his wife Hera. Festivals were hoplites, heavily armoured foot-soldiers SHEATH
and sacrifices were important in the who carried a large round shield, or hoplon.
daily religious life of the city-states. They fought in phalanxes (shield walls),
Women rarely had any role in public several rows deep, to protect the soldiers.
life, but a few were priestesses who
played an important part in rituals
and celebrations.

ZEUS

GREEK ALPHABET

The Ancient Greeks had an alphabet of 24 letters – the first
to have vowels as well as consonants. The word “alphabet”
comes from the first two letters, alpha and beta.

ALPHA BETA GAMMA DELTA EPSILON ZETA

ETA THETA IOTA KAPPA LAMBDA MU

NU XI OMICRON PI RHO SIGMA XIPHOS,
ANCIENT

GREEK
SWORD

HOPLITE ARMOUR

TAU UPSILON PHI CHI PSI OMEGA

GREAT THINKERS

Around 600 BCE, Greek thinkers began to use logic
instead of religion to think about the world and how it
works. Their ideas were the beginning of philosophy.

PYTHAGORAS (c.530 bce)

A theorem for working out the length of the sides of a right-angled
triangle still bears the name of Pythagoras. He also believed that
numbers had mystical powers.

SOCRATES (469–399 bce)

This Athenian philosopher taught his students to
question the power of Athens’ ruling classes. He
was put to death for his views.

PLATO (427–347 bce)

Socrates’ pupil Plato believed people should
live their lives trying to reach absolute moral
goodness. His ideas are still studied today.

ARISTOTLE (384–322 bce) WARRIOR SHIELD (HOPLON)
SOLDIER’S AXE AND SANDAL
This pupil of Plato founded a school called the
Lyceum. He wrote many important works about
biology, zoology, physics, logic, and politics.

ARCHIMEDES (c.287–212 bce) PLATO

This engineer and mathematician invented a
screw pump that drew up water, and wrote
a theorem to calculate the area of a circle.

ANCIENT GREEK
ARMY HELMET

291

Greek myths THE GREEK GODS

Some of the oldest and best-known stories in the world are In Greek mythology, the gods were powerful
the myths of Ancient Greece. They are tales of gods and heroes, supernatural beings who could make
great loves, wars, daring adventures, and fabulous beasts. anything and everything happen. There
Some of them are told here. To the Greeks of long ago, the were 12 major gods and goddesses,
myths and the gods who appeared in them were very real. of whom Zeus was king. The
gods lived in their palaces
on the top of snow-
capped Mount
Olympus, the
highest mountain
in Greece.

MOUNT
OLYMPUS

HOW THE GODS BEGAN GAIA URANUS
Goddess of God of the Sky
The Ancient Greeks believed the creators of the world were the Earth
Uranus, the Sky god, and Gaia, the Earth goddess. Uranus and Gaia
had many children, including giants, monsters, and the Titans, first
rulers of Earth. The Titans’ children became gods and goddesses.

TITANS MONSTERS GIANTS

CRONUS RHEA COEUS PHOEBE OCEANUS TETHYS
King of the Queen of Titan Titaness Titan and Titaness and
the Titans sea god sea goddess
Titans

POSEIDON HESTIA DEMETER ZEUS HERA ZEUS ZEUS LETO ASTERIA
God of Goddess of Goddess of Queen of the King of the Titaness Titaness
the Sea the Hearth
Grain Gods Gods

CLYMENE IAPETUS
Sea nymph Titan

HADES PERSEPHONE APOLLO ARTEMIS PROMETHEUS EPIMETHEUS
God King of the Goddess God of the Goddess Titan Titan
Sun and of Hunting
Underworld Queen of the the Arts
Underworld

FOUTGHHETGAODLOS NG ZEUS METIS PLEONE ATLAS
BEWFTTTOHAHHREREEEMWATBIGAFOTARNAROIINLNSMDSHSTING Sea nymph Sea nymph Titan

ZEUS DIONE MAIA ZEUS
Titaness Nymph

HEPHAESTUS ARES HEBE
God of Fire and God of War Goddess of

Metalwork Youth ATHENA
Goddess of
APHRODITE HERMES
Wisdom Goddess of Love Messenger god

THE UNDERWORLD PUNISHMENTS MYTHICAL BEINGS
FROM THE GODS
In the myths of Ancient Greece, the realm of the dead was Ancient Greek tales were full
known as the Underworld, a shadowy kingdom ruled by the Many people were condemned to perpetual of weird creatures. There
god Hades. There were demons and monsters there. One of punishment in the Underworld because they were beings called satyrs
the most frightening was the three-headed dog Cerberus, had offended the gods. For example, Sisyphus, that had the upper body of a
who stood guard at the gates. The souls of those who had who had tried to become immortal, man but a lower half like
died were ferried to the Underworld in a boat across an ink- was made to push a huge rock a hairy goat, with hooves
black river called the Styx. uphill for ever. Tantalus, who instead of feet. More noble
insulted the gods, felt hungry were the wise centaurs,
and thirsty all the time, with who were half man, half
food and drink just out horse. A fire-breathing
of his reach. monster called the Chimaera
was part lion and part goat,
and had a serpent for a tail.

CERBERUS TANTALUS SATYRS

292

KING MIDAS BELLEROPHON MEDUSA THE 12 LABOURS
AND PEGASUS OF HERACLES
In return for helping one of the The Gorgon Medusa,
gods, King Midas was granted The young hero Bellerophon a monster with When the hero Heracles went mad and
a wish. Greedily, he asked that rode a magical winged snakes for hair, killed his wife, he was punished by being
everything he touched be horse called Pegasus. could turn people to given 12 seemingly impossible tasks.
turned to gold. When his food, Too bold and proud, he stone with one look.
drink, and even his daughter tried to fly up to the Perseus, a son of 1 THE NEMEAN LION
turned to gold, Midas begged home of the gods. Zeus, killed her.
for the gift to be taken away. This so angered Zeus, He avoided her gaze The lion had such tough skin
he made Pegasus rear up by aiming at her that no spear could pierce it.
and throw Bellerophon, who reflection in a shiny Heracles managed to strangle
was injured. Lame and blind, shield lent to him by the beast.
he became a beggar. the goddess Athena.
2 SLAYING THE HYDRA
THE TROJAN PROMETHEUS
HORSE The Hydra was a many-headed
The Titan Prometheus stole monster. Every time Heracles
The Greeks defeated their fire from the gods to give to cut off one of its heads, two
Trojan enemies by trickery. humans. Furious, Zeus had new ones appeared. By sealing
Outside the city of Troy each wound he stopped more
they left a huge wooden him chained to a rock, heads from growing.
horse, which the Trojans where an eagle
seized. At night, men constantly pecked 3 THE KERYNEIAN HIND
hidden inside the horse
crept out to open the city at his liver. After a long and gruelling
gates for the Greek army. Prometheus chase, Heracles caught a
was supposed golden-horned deer
THESEUS AND to stay chained belonging to the goddess
THE MINOTAUR for ever, but the Artemis.
hero Heracles
The flesh-eating Minotaur, half rescued him. 4 THE ERYMANTHIAN BOAR
man and half bull, was kept
by King Minos of JASON AND THE Heracles defeated this ferocious boar
Crete in a winding GOLDEN FLEECE by trapping it in a snowdrift.
labyrinth, or maze. Every
year, Minos took 14 young Jason was heir to a kingdom 5 THE AUGEAN STABLES
people from Athens to feed to that had been taken from him
his monster. Vowing to stop the in childhood. To earn his The filthy stables of King Augeas had never
slaughter, the Athenian hero throne he had to steal been cleaned. Heracles changed the courses
Theseus found a way through the the fleece of a magical of two rivers to wash all the dirt away.
maze. As he went, he unrolled golden ram. Jason
a thread to mark his path. He found the fleece, but 6 THE STYMPHALIAN BIRDS
fought and killed the Minotaur, it was guarded by a
and then followed the thread to To get rid of some
find his way out of the maze. terrible serpent. He asked monstrous birds,
the hero Orpheus to charm Heracles frightened
DEMETER AND the serpent to sleep with them into the air by
PERSEPHONE music. Jason seized the playing castanets, and
fleece and was allowed then shot them.
Demeter, goddess of grain, had to claim his throne.
her daughter Persephone stolen 7 THE BULL OF
by Hades, king of the Underworld. PANDORA’S JAR
While she grieved, the crops all died. KING MINOS
Hades agreed to send Persephone Zeus made a beautiful woman
back every spring and summer, so out of clay. He brought her to life Heracles captured a
that the corn and flowers could and called her Pandora. When huge and dangerous
flourish. In winter, when she went she married, he gave her the gift bull belonging to the
of a sealed jar, telling her not to king of Crete.
back to Hades, nothing grew. open it. Pandora’s curiosity got
the better of her and she opened 8 THE MAN-EATING MARES
the lid. All the evil things in the
world, such as hatred, disease, Heracles tamed a herd of dangerous meat-
and war, flew out. Then one last eating horses by feeding their owner to them.
tiny thing came out of the jar –
hope for the future. 9 THE BELT OF HIPPOLYTA

Hippolyta was queen of the Amazon women
and terrifying in battle. Heracles dared to steal
her valuable belt.

10 THE CATTLE OF GERYON

Sent to the edge of the world, Heracles stole
the cattle belonging to a giant herdsman.

11 GOLDEN APPLES OF HESPERIDES

In yet another theft, Heracles took the precious
apples belonging to the daughters of Atlas, the
giant who carried the world on his shoulders.

12 VISITING THE UNDERWORLD

In his final task, Heracles went to the
Underworld and captured the three-headed
dog, Cerberus, that guarded the gates. The
hero was finally forgiven for his crime.

DEMETER PERSEPHONE

THE ODYSSEY Odysseus’s Poseidon, the Circe, an Odysseus sails The sailors kill Now the only
ships visit the sea god, sends enchantress, past the Sirens, cattle on an island survivor, Odysseus
Among the most often-told lotus-eaters. terrible storms turns Odysseus’s who try to lure belonging to Helios washes up on
myths are the adventures These lazy to send the men into pigs ships into the Sun god. Zeus the island of the
of the hero Odysseus. After people offer the ships off and then back dangerous waters strikes their ship goddess Calypso,
fighting in the Greek war sailors fruit that course. to men again. with their song. with a thunderbolt, where he stays for
against the Trojans, will make them killing everyone but seven years.
Odysseus spent many years forget the past. Odysseus.
on a dangerous sea voyage
trying to get back home. The THE VOYAGE HOME The giant Laestrygonians Odysseus visits The ship sails the narrow Odysseus finally
journey of Odysseus and his eat one of the sailors, and the Underworld channel between Scylla, returns home. He
sailors is described in the One-eyed giants throw rocks at the ships, to find out his a monster, and Charybdis, finds many men
story known as The Odyssey. called the Cyclopes sinking all future. He has a whirlpool. hoping to marry
keep the men but one. a vision of his his wife, Penelope,
captive and eat homeland being and take his lands.
some of them. invaded by Odysseus kills all
Odysseus blinds enemies. the suitors and
one of the giants and keeps his wife.
the crew escapes.

293

Ancient Rome HELMET
Roman helmets
The Roman Empire was one of the greatest empires the world has had a metal bowl
ever known. At its peak, Rome’s armies were almost unchallenged, to protect the head,
and its emperors ruled a huge area – from Spain to the borders often with cheek
of Persia, and from North Africa to Scotland. pieces, and a
horse-hair crest
EXPANSION KEY across the top.

Roman ARMOUR
Empire Body armour
was usually
formed of
rectangular
metal or
leather strips.

Rome began as a humble

hill-top settlement in

central Italy, but before

long, it had conquered

Italy. It then took over the

northern Mediterranean

before expanding into 1 240 BCE 2 120 BCE 3 14 CE
much of northern Europe, After conquering Italy, Rome Forty years later, Rome took By the end of the reign of

North Africa, and seized the island of Sicily, by parts of Spain and North Africa in Emperor Augustus, Roman

the Middle East. defeating the city of Carthage the Second Punic War. Victories armies had advanced into Egypt,

in the First Punic War. against Macedonia gave it Greece. Syria, and much of Europe.

ARMY

The Roman army was the ancient world’s most effective
fighting force. Professionally trained and armed, it had
around 30 legions of 5,000 citizen-soldiers, each of
whom served for 25 years.

BACKPACK

Roman soldiers carried
cooking implements and
tools to build a camp
each night.

PUGIO GLADIUS SHIELD KNEE GUARDS
The Roman legionary dagger, or pugio, The legionary shield protected the
The Roman whole body. Its edge could also be used Greaves
was around 20 cm (8 in) long. It was legionary sword, or protected
worn on the left hip. gladius, was about to strike opponents. their knees
50 cm (20 in) long. from sword
blows.

TACTICS AND
FORMATIONS

The Romans were very

effective foot (infantry)

soldiers. Normally the

legion would send

a volley of arrows

and javelins, before

charging and fighting

at close quarters. Very

few enemies could

defend themselves TESTUDO SKIRMISH ORB CAVALRY DEFENCE SANDALS
against them. Raised shields in the testudo, A skirmish formation was The circular orb formation The front line held their
used for rapid advances or was used by small groups javelins out at a 45-degree Soldiers wore
or “tortoise”, defended against crossing difficult terrain. angle to defeat cavalry. leather sandals with
when surrounded.
missiles dropped from above. nails hammered
into the soles.

294

SOCIAL EMPEROR DAILY LIFE 750 bce TIMELINE
STRUCTURE The emperor (or emperors)
was the ultimate authority. The family played a central role in As their empire grew, the
The emperor Roman life. Each household was Romans’ political system
ruled the empire. SENATORS ruled by the eldest adult male. changed to meet the
He held enormous Leading aristocrats served Women carried out domestic challenge of governing
power but depended in the Senate. chores and performed rituals this vast area. They also
on the support of rich to household gods. fought many wars.
aristocratic families. EQUESTRIANS
Below them were Below senators were the GLASS BOTTLE 753 BCE
ordinary Roman less wealthy equestrians.
citizens. However, COLANDER ROMAN KINGDOM According to legend,
women and TRADERS AND WORKERS 750–510 BCE the city of Rome is
“foreigners” from Urban workers and founded by Romulus Statue of
places the Romans merchants had little power. Romulus kills his and Remus, the twin Romulus
had conquered did twin to become the sons of Mars, the and Remus
not have citizenship FOREIGNERS first king of Rome. god of war.
and could not vote. Outside Italy, most men did
not have Roman citizenship. RING Later, the city is 509 BCE
ruled by six kings. Roman Republic is established after
SLAVES STONE GRINDER OIL FLASK Under them, the city the overthrow of King Tarquinius.
Slaves had very few grows slowly. The
legal rights. COLOSSEUM last king, Tarquinius
In this huge arena people came
ENTERTAINMENT to see acrobats, wild beast Superbus, is 261–241 BCE
fights, executions, and battles overthrown. Rome wins the first Punic War
Public entertainment was very important in Roman cities. Romans between gladiators. against the North African city
took part in religious festivals, or went to the theatre, public baths, ROMAN REPUBLIC of Carthage.
and horse races. However, the most popular form of entertainment 507–27 BCE
was gladiatorial contests in arenas such as the Colosseum in Rome.
Rome’s kings are
replaced by elected Soldiers in Carthage look at
boats burning in distance
leaders. The
republic lasts 218–201 BCE
for nearly five
centuries, until Carthaginian general
civil wars lead to

its collapse.

Hannibal almost

conquers Italy, but

is defeated in the Head of
Second Punic War. Hannibal

GLADIATORS on a coin

44 BCE

Julius Caesar, Roman general and

dictator, is assassinated after his

victory in the civil war against

his rival Pompey.

27 BCE

Julius Caesar’s

adopted son Octavian

defeats his last rivals

in a new civil war. He

UNDERGROUND LIFT becomes the first

Roman emperor

and takes the

name Augustus. Bust of

Julius Caesar

Central sand-covered area Underground passageways ROMAN EMPIRE 80 BCE
where fights between for holding gladiators 27 BCE–395 CE
gladiators took place and wild beasts One of the great examples
The final victor in of Roman engineering,
EMPEROR’S BOX Entrance to tiers of Rome’s civil wars the Colosseum is finished.
seats for spectators
takes power as The largest amphitheatre
Emperor Augustus. in the empire, it seats
50,000 spectators.
For the next four
WHAT THE ROMANS DID FOR US CALENDAR centuries Rome Colosseum
395 CE
The Romans were brilliant engineers, builders, and scholars. In their early calendars, the superstitious Romans is ruled by a The Empire is permanently split
Many essential things in our lives today were first avoided having months with even numbers of days succession into eastern and western halves,
introduced by the Romans. because it was considered bad luck. Julius Caesar of emperors. each ruled by a separate emperor.
introduced a 12-month year with 365 days, which is
PUBLIC BATHS close to the calendar we use today. EASTERN AND Goths attacking Rome
WESTERN EMPIRE 410 CE
The Romans built large complexes for LATIN The Goths led by Alaric sack Rome.
public bathing. These baths were the 395–476 CE It is the first time in 800 years the
forerunners of the hammams used Many European languages, such as French, Italian As the Roman city has fallen to a foreign invader.
today in Islamic countries. and Spanish, are descended from Latin, the language Empire faces new
of the Romans. threats, a single 476 CE
ROADS emperor cannot Romulus Augustulus, the last
ROMAN NUMBERS defend it. The rule Roman emperor in the West, is
The Romans created a network of paved THE GREAT is split between overthrown. The eastern Roman
roads that linked towns and cities. The Romans had a numerical system that used letters two emperors – Empire survives until 1453 CE.
We still use many of these roads today. to form numbers. We still use Roman numerals today one based in Rome
on clocks and for important dates. and the other in 295
AQUEDUCTS BATH, ENGLAND Constantinople.
12 345
Roman engineers built channels, or aqueducts, to carry water
from rivers to the cities. They erected great arched structures 6 7 8 9 10
to keep the channels straight through dips and valleys.

ROMAN 50 100 500 900 1,000 476 ce
AQUEDUCT

The Vikings CLOTHING

No one living between the 8th and 11th centuries Tunics and trousers for
welcomed a visit from the Vikings. These wild men and long dresses
seafarers from Scandinavia caused widespread terror for women were usual
with lightning raids and looting. But as bold explorers, Viking wear. Most
they travelled far and opened up a wider world. clothes were made of
wool or linen and
animal skins. Only the MOTHER MERCHANT
rich could afford silks
and fancy accessories.
The women wove and
sewed everything.

CHILD

RAIDING RECORD TREASURE

The 300-year Viking history is Every self-respecting Viking family had their
marked out by raids, voyaging, special treasures. Rich folk prized finely
and the colonizing of new lands. crafted gold and silver jewellery. A typical
adventurer, whether raider or trader, picked
794 750 1050 793 up ornaments and trophies in other lands. HUNTING HORN “EASTER” EGG BURIAL CHEST
Vikings First Made from the horn Christian symbol of Decorated oak chest
attack dated Viking rebirth from Russia. made for a ship burial.
Scotland raid, on of an ox.
Lindisfarne,
795 northeast
Vikings England
attack
Ireland 799
Vikings attack
France

874 860 JEWELS GOLDSMITH’S ART GAMING PIECE ARMBAND BUCKLED UP MINI CUP
Iceland Vikings begin Rock crystal beads Intricate brooch of Amber figure used Solid silver arm ring Patterned Tiny silver cup with
colonized settling in twisted gold wires. in a board game. with moulded beading. engraved pattern.
Russia and set in silver. buckle plate.
911 Ukraine
Vikings led NORSE MYTHS
876
by Rollo Vikings settle The ancient Norse myths
settle in permanently explain how the world and
Normandy in England the first people were
created. The stories are full
982 of dragons, magic, warring
Vikings gods, and giants as wild as
discover the Vikings themselves.
Greenland According to Norse myth,
there is a great battle still
1001 1000 LOKI ASK ODIN THOR HEL to come, which will end this
Vikings in Shapeshifter and god First man, created Norse god of Hammer-wielding Goddess of the world and start a new one.
Explorer Leif Greenland from an ash tree. wisdom and war.
Eriksson and Iceland of mischief. god of thunder. Underworld.
reaches convert to
American Christianity
coast
1048
Vikings F U TH A R K H N I A S T B M L R Rigging
found Oslo
in Norway Rowers
work in pairs
VIKING SOCIETY RUNES RUNE ALPHABET Square sail

At the top of the Viking social The Vikings used an alphabet JELLING
scale were the nobility, the of letters known as runes. STONES
uppermost being the jarls. These runes can be seen today A copy showing
Then came the freemen, such carved into memorial stones, pictures and
as warriors, craftsmen, and such as the famous Jelling Stones
farmers. Lowest on the scale in Denmark, or as messages runes.
were slaves, or thralls, many on pieces of wood and bone.
of them prisoners of war.

NORTH FAR AND WIDE
AMERICA
The Vikings were skilled
GREENLAND navigators. Sailing from
what are now Denmark,
JARLS (UPPER NOBILITY) Norway, and Sweden,
they crossed open oceans
NOBLES ICELAND in their small wooden
boats. Their sea and land
KEY expeditions took them
Viking homeland west to North America
Viking settlements and east to Central Asia.
Viking voyages
FULL SAIL
FREEMEN EUROPE A Viking ship used sails
as well as manpower.
ATLANTIC
OCEAN

THRALLS (SLAVES)

296

HOME LIFE CAULDRON COMB
PIPE
No one had any privacy in a Viking DRILL
home, known as a longhouse, which Welded
had one room or hall with a central iron plates
fireplace. Here, everyone
lived, ate, and slept. Wealthy
households sometimes had
extra rooms for cooking
and weaving. Outside,
there were animal
barns, grain stores,
and workshops.

SPINNER WARRIORS HUNTER ARCHER

HOLY CASKET ARMS AND
Container for ARMOUR
Christian relics.
An axe, a sword, and
sometimes bow and
arrows were Viking battle
gear. An iron helmet and
a wooden shield warded
off enemy blows.

FANTASTIC BEAST SILVER WARRIOR
Gilded bronze fitting Figure of a horseman
from a horse’s bridle.
bearing a sword.

ADVENTURERS HELMETS

There are some famous heroes among the DAGGERS
Vikings. Although their adventures took place SHIELDS
more than 1,000 years ago, the legends of
these chieftains live on. AXES

RAGNAR

A hero of his day, he invaded Paris in 845. Stories say
that he was later imprisoned in northern England,
and left in a snakepit to die.

BJORN JARNSMIDA

One of the earliest known Viking
explorers, he led raiding parties far
and wide, attacking lands in Spain,
France, Italy, and even North Africa.

IVAR THE BONELESS NORWEGIAN HELMET Chain mail to
protect neck
Despite the unexplained name, Ivar
was a vicious and powerful warrior. He
invaded East Anglia in England in 869.

ROLLO VIKING
KNIFE
In the 9th century, this Norse chief
founded a settlement in what is now
Rouen in northern France.

ERIK THE RED

Originally Norwegian, he moved
to Iceland from where he was
banished for killings in 982.
He founded the Norse
colonies in Greenland.

LEIF THE LUCKY

Son of Erik the Red, Leif
Eriksson made it all the
way to North America in
about 1001. He landed
in present-day
Newfoundland.

LEIF THE
LUCKY

IT IS A MYTH ARROWS SWORDS Unbleached
TWHOARTEVHIKOIRNNGESD LONGBOW linen
HELMETS
UNDERTUNIC
AND

LEGGINGS

297

THREE MAJOR Ancient Americas
CIVILIZATIONS
Three great civilizations of the Americas flourished in different
The Aztec civilization was based in what parts of the continent: the Maya and Aztecs in central America
is now central Mexico. The Maya occupied (Mesoamerica) and the Inca in the south, centred in modern-day
southern Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, Peru. These cultures, although different in many ways, all left
Honduras, and El Salvador. The Inca behind beautiful art and the remains of spectacular cities.
empire stretched 4,000 km (2,486 miles)
along the west coast of South America.

Tenochtitlan
Chichen itza

Tikal

THE

Machu Picchu ANDES
Cuzco

KEY
MAYA
AZTEC
INCA

DIVERSE CULTURES MACHU PICCHU

As well as the Maya, Aztec, and A remote outpost of the Inca
Inca civilizations, a rich mosaic empire, up to half of its 143
of other peoples and cultures buildings may have been used
flourished in the region. for religious ceremonies.

MAYA (c.2000 bce–1697 ce) GREAT CITIES TIKAL CHICHEN ITZA CUZCO TEOTIHUACAN
Major Maya city, inhabited Maya city that was an The religious and political City state that was destroyed
Excelled at astronomy, and devised Cities were built in from 600 BCE to around 900 CE. important trading centre. mysteriously around 700 CE.
a way of writing using pictures. There a variety of places. capital of the Incas.
are still millions of Maya in Central The surrounding
America today. landscape and the
building materials
OLMEC (1200–400 bce) available had an effect
on the look of the
One of the earliest civilizations of buildings. Cities were
Mesoamerica, their culture was based often dominated by
mainly on farming and trade. huge temples and
other religious buildings.
ZAPOTEC (500 bce–900 ce)
WRITING SKY PERSON MOUNTAIN SUN JAGUAR FIRE
Based in southern Mexico. Ruled over BONE WATER
1,000 settlements in the region from Many of the different WOMAN SPIRIT BOOK SNAKE LORD CLOUD
its main city, Monte Albán. Mesoamerican cultures
used picture-writing to
TEOTIHUACAN (1–750 ce) keep records and write about
their history. The Inca and
Built Teotihuacan, the largest their neighbours did not
and most impressive city in use writing, but recorded
the ancient Americas. information on a quipu,
an arrangement of
NAZCA (100–800 ce) knotted strings.

Best known for the massive pictures TO GRAB QUETZAL HOLY TO SCATTER
and shapes (geoglyphs) they etched
on the ground in southern Peru. AZTEC SUN STONE MAYA WRITING
Describes the Aztecs’ beliefs Made up of a system of
MOCHE (100–800 ce) symbols, called glyphs.
about time and religion.
Built huge, mysterious pyramids,
from mud bricks, that still dominate
the countryside in northern Peru.

TOLTEC (750–1170)

Expert Mesoamerican architects and
craftsmen. Built giant pyramids and
palaces in their capital, Tula.

CHIMU (1000–1470)

Occupying a large area in the west
of South America, they were skilled
goldsmiths and architects. Eventually
conquered by the Incas.

INCA (1150–1532)

Became the most powerful people in
the Andes mountain region when they
conquered the city of Cuzco in 1438.
They went on to take over many other
states for their empire.

AZTEC (1300s–1521)

Originally a wandering tribe, they
founded the city of Tenochtitlan in
1325, which become the centre of
their mighty empire.

YEAR BLUE SHIELD FLINT HOUSE TWENTY

298