Fitness through the years

Two civilizations in history who were very focused on their fitness, especially in their military, were the Greeks and the Romans.
Roman Civilization (500 BC-476 AD)- The Roman Empire ordered that all its citizens have good physical fitness and be ready for army service. Everyone between the ages of 17 and 60 were able to join the military and trained for it by running, marching, doing the long and high jump and carrying heavy bags for long journeys. This was one on the main reasons of the Romans success on conquering most of Europe due to their fit army compared to other countries who were not prepared. However, the fitness levels of the Empire declined as entertainment and wealth became more important to them than their health. They had become much wealthier due to the massive empire that had conquered. But the Roman civilization was eventually destroyed by stronger forces as a result of this.
Ancient Greek Civilization (2500-200BC)- The Greeks were one of the first civilization that were completely focused on their health and fitness. Gymnastics was taught to Greeks at a young age and they believed that fitness was equally as important as education. In Sparta (a city in Greece), the government had special fitness programs for boys to make sure they become fit soldiers when they joined the army. Females also had remain fit so they would have healthy male children. Hence why Sparta became one of the most physically fit societies in history.

Sources:

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