Thoughts on the concept of sport with a view to “sports activities” in ancient Rome

Abstract

There is currently no generally accepted definition of sport in either sports science or jurisprudence. The present paper first examines attempts to define the concept of sport and then analyzes the consequences of the lack of a precise definition, from the point of view of the operation of law. It also provides an overview of the sporting activities of ancient Rome and the debate over whether gladiators can be considered sportsmen in our present terms.