Popular Sports from Ancient Egypt That You Can Bet on Today

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When we think of Ancient Egypt, we often think of mythical gods, fantastical curses, power-hungry warriors, and epic battles. The image of tombs, pyramids, and mummies prevails. Yet, this period was rich in cultural and religious exploration, artistic expression, and notably, sport. In fact, many of the most popular sports played during the time of the Ancient Egyptians are still performed today. And some might even creep into your Saturday afternoon Acca.

Standing the Test of Time

Ancient Egyptian sports have stood the test of time, with many still played in modern arenas and even available for betting. Events such as boxing, swimming, weightlifting and athletics were integral to Egyptian society, not only as physical pursuits but also as elements of religious ceremonies.

They saw athletic contests as symbolic struggles between order and chaos, with mock battles re-enacting the mythical conflict between Horus and Set. Sports like wrestling, javelin-throwing and weightlifting were popular amongst the general population and the elite alike, with pharaohs demonstrating their prowess in archery and hunting. Even the gruelling Heb-Sed festival required kings to prove their physical fitness, reinforcing the connection between strength, leadership and divine favour.

Beyond the royal courts, Egyptian society as a whole embraced sports as entertainment and competition. Wrestling and boxing matches were widely held, resembling their modern counterparts in form and intensity. Swimming and rowing contests took place along the Nile, while field hockey (a team sport using curved palm branches and a papyrus-stuffed ball) mirrored today’s version of the game.

Javelin-throwing and archery, originally used for hunting and military training, later became spectator events. Fishing competitions, still a favourite among sports bettors today, were also popular pastimes. Murals from tombs such as those in Beni Hasan capture the energy of these events, showing jugglers, gymnasts, and competitive rowers in action.

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Ancient Egypt’s Influence on Modern Day-Betting

While Ancient Egypt popularised sports that we bet on today, the period also influenced the process of betting. According to historians in the publication Business of Sports Betting, the Egyptians would bet on everything from dice and board games to chariot racing. Archaeological evidence confirms that gambling was widespread with dice made from elephant tusks discovered in Thebes, along with a board game similar to checkers.

The civilisation’s influence on gambling also continues to be felt in iGaming where the popularity of Egyptian-themed slot games has witnessed a growing assortment of titles celebrate the period’s mythical gods and iconic cultural heritage. One such game is the Eye of Horus slot, a 5x3 game with 20 paylines, available on Buzz Bingo. Featuring gods like Horus and Anubis, along with artefacts such as Ankhs and scarabs, the game immerses players in the mystery of Ancient Egypt. Others include Legacy of Egypt, Wild Link Cleopatra, Big Egyptian Fortune and Legacy of Dead. These themes, enhanced by sun-soaked graphics and rewarding bonus features, continue to attract gamblers worldwide.

Enduring Legacy

Ancient Egypt’s legacy in sports and gambling remains strong, with many of its popular athletic competitions still part of modern betting culture. From boxing and weightlifting to fishing tournaments, the spirit of competition lives on. Beyond sports, the civilisation’s deep influence extends further, inspiring everything from early dice games to today’s Egyptian-themed slots. Whether placing bets on athletics or spinning the reels of Eye of Horus, the allure of Ancient Egypt continues to captivate gamblers worldwide.