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| Depictions of Swimming in the Cave Swimmers https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dc/WadiSuraSwimmers.jpg |
People have been swimming since prehistoric times. We know this because of drawings found in ‘The Cave of the Swimmers’ as well as written references dating back as far as 2000 B.C. The cave of swimmers was found in the southwest of Egypt show depictions of breaststroke and/or doggy paddle. The most famous drawings of swimming were found in the Kebir desert which is where the Cave of Swimmers is located. The ancient Greeks also practiced swimming as a sport but did not include it in the first Olympic Games. They very often had swimming pools built into the baths which were where the Greeks would go to socialize and to take baths. In ancient Greek times, it was actually an insult to say someone couldn’t swim. So in theory people have been swimming from as far back as 9000 B.C and possibly even longer. Isn’t that crazy! People started swimming by copying the movement of dogs and other animals in the water. So the next question is. Why did people start swimming? In conclusion from my gatherings of information and my personal own opinion. I think people began swimming because it was necessary for survival. The ancient Greeks may have swum for exercise and leisure. So they could keep fit and also for a bit of fun. In the times of the Roman, Empire swimming was seen as useful, activity and also as very healthy. Men from prehistoric times may have needed to swim to cross, rivers, and lakes in times where there were no boats available. Tune in for next week’s entry on the countries with the most success in the sport that is swimming and why.
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