A HISTORY OF BOCCE
Bocce is a game in which a ball is rolled down a lane with the aim of coming to rest near a smaller object ball called a pallino or jack. Not only is it among the earliest known outdoor pastimes, but it is played in more countries than any other ball game, with the exception of soccer.
The exact history of Bocce is difficult to chart. Although there is evidence of similar games being played as early as 5000 B.C. in Egypt and 300 B.C. in Greece, the earliest direct lineage of Bocce can be traced to an ancient form played in the Italian Alps about 2,000 years ago. It involved the tossing of stones with the intent of coming closest to a smaller object stone. Accounts are given of this game being especially popular with the Roman soldiers who played it as a pastime between battles during the Punic Wars about 264 B.C.
Through succeeding centuries, the Romans spread the popularity of the game throughout the empire, which during this period encompassed vast areas of Europe, Asia and North Africa. However, with the fall of the Roman Empire and onset of the Middle Ages, direct evidence of the game is again obscured for several centuries.
During the same period, Vulgar Latin emerged as a dominant language of the common man. The Vulgar Latin word "bottia" - meaning ball - is the root of the Italian word boccia or Bocce, as the game came to be known. Similarly in Classic Latin - that which prevailed during the days of Caesar - the word "boulles" - which again means ball - is the root for another very similar form of the game - "bowls" - which later emerged in the British Isles, today known as England.
Here the game was refined from that of simply tossing the ball to include rolling it on the lawn or green. Thus, the term "bowling on the green" or simply "bowls".
From the first days of the game's popularity in England, kings frowned upon it, as it was likely to seduce their subjects away from archery practice - deemed of greater importance to the safety of England.
In 1388, Richard II prohibited the game. Also, during the reigns of Henry IV and Edward IV, the ban was renewed, but for commons only. It remained in effect in England until 1845, although it was seldom observed.
Perhaps the most historically significant game was played in 1588 by Sir Francis Drake and Sir John Hawkins. Drake, even upon receiving news of the Spanish Armada's impending arrival, insisted upon completing his game before setting out to defend against the Armada. It is apparent also that by this time women played as well as men. Shakespeare mentioned the game in several of his plays. In Richard II, for example, a lady of the court suggests the queen should play a game of "bowls".
Throughout the rest of Europe, the game of Bocce continued to grow and flourish in its various forms. The English version - "bowls" - has been maintained. In France, a form known as Petanque evolved and, of course, in Italy as well the game was fervently embraced.
Thus, it is apparent that modern Bocce play is the result of a historical and cultural evolution spanning centuries of time across the entire globe. Every aspect of Bocce, from its basic elements of play to the balls, the playing surfaces and the introduction of indoor play, are products of an abiding interest in Bocce around the world. It is truly an international game and sport.