This Barbaric Version of Soccer Is the Original Extreme Sport
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Florence, Italy, is largely regarded as the cradle of the Renaissance. And while the city is best known for its artistic contributions to the world, few are aware that it is also the birthplace of soccer. However, the soccer of 15th-century Florence was rather barbaric in nature. They called it calcio storico, and despite the bloodshed it incurs, locals still play it to this day. The Romans originally invented a sport they referred to as harpastum to keep their warriors in shape. Then men in Florence revived the game in 59 B.C. and eventually started calling it calcio, a word meaning “to kick” in Italian. The premise of calcio storico is somewhat similar to modern-day soccer. The men compete on a square-shaped field, running around in an attempt to throw the ball into the designated goals. The rules, however, are a different story. The 27 players on each team are free to use Greco-Roman combat moves, tackle opponents rugby-style and even box one another on the field. None of these acts are considered fouls. Vocativ took a trip to Florence to speak to a few men who are actively involved in calcio storico. As the city is divided into four neighborhoods, each quarter has its own representative team in the league. “It’s a great honor when you show up in the square and there are more than 7,000 fans watching," says Simone Brogliardi, a player for the blue team. "You feel like a gladiator entering the arena and ready to fight.” But the honor does not come without a price. In fact, Alessandro “Ciara” Franceschi, the coach for the red team, says the game is brutal for players. “Violence is an inherent part of this game," he says. "It’s really a war game; out of 27 teammates, at least 10 or 15 are going to come out injured." Franceschi has seen players hide their injuries—broken ribs and hands—to finish a match. Because calcio storico is the most ancient tradition of Florence with a history of more than 2,000 years, players risk it all for the sake of honor. “Calcianti are athletes, strong athletes, courageous athletes, because the game is very masculine, very tough,” explains Luciano Artusi, director of calcio storico. “It evokes the meeting points of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance: toughness, chivalry and willingness to proudly demonstrate that you belong to the city of Florence.” After the match, the winning team is treated to a simple banquet in their neighborhood. They do not get paid for their participation in the bloodsport. http://voc.tv/1oosXVC Subscribe! http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=vocativvideo See more on our website: http://www.vocativ.com Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/vocativ Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Vocativ
Comments
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When will they bring back the Mesoamerican ball games? Now those were brutal...
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hahahaha and they said soccer aint got nothing on rugby lol like the title says "This Barbaric Version of SOCCER" the word SOCCER !!!!
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i heard some neighborhoods used to pay pro MMA fighters to play in their rank
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3:35 would get the D
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I think more men should be engaging in these sports, like a real Fight Club, to exercise their natural instincts and let out aggression that is just turned inward without an outlet. Better this "Tradition" than the ones where they slaughter whales on a beach , swing live dogs around, toss live goats from churches or stick objects into bulls. I'm all for Man VS Man - 100%.
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Total savagery, you Italians crucified Jesus and you are still not content with that so much so that you go as far as to romanticize total brutality for the temporary enjoyment of the public. That which you fucks call sport is far from that. Sports have rules and regulations which need to be followed to maintain a safe environment to all who play it...not oh hey there are no rules just don't shank the mother fucker after the game because you got sucker punched while you were not looking. No wonder Italy is getting pillow smothered by Muslims. Well deserved!!!
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stupid italians, for this reason mafia ever win. cant fight 1vs1 and fight like girl in mass... stupids girls. and say "roman tradition" come on stupid retards...
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Estupid.
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AHHHH this looks like an amazing sport! Like It, I have another version of soccer, like the Orso said in the start of the film. They used to use swords. Well, check out RuneBall. Pretty much soccer with swords. Its not quite as violent though. Only one or two injuries a year. If your interested to see what its about check the link: www.kickstarter.com/projects/1697053450/runeball
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YOU AIN'T SHIT UNLESS YOU ENTER THE PIT.....Italians have the most passion in Europe! Thank you Moors!
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"Soccer"??
I'd say it's "american-football" like, with much more violence!!😎😎😎 -
This is not a match....this is a WAR. Blacks are S.O.B. !!!!
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welcome to Italy
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It's sad that the beautiful European culture will disapear in a couple of generations because of the massive importation of outbreeding muslim sandniggers, very low White fertility rates, and Europeans not doing anything about it, too brainwashed by the jewish media.
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Soccer wasnt born in florence...
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This puts LeBroning NBA players to shame.
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streetarenagladiatorfullalbum
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Holy Wow!!!
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I'm proud to be Italian
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2:36 bear's tattoo says in greek Julia i will always love you , he is a love bear after all.
5m 2sLenght