The origins of bocce ball can be traced back as early as 5200 B.C, in Egypt, making it possibly the

oldest game in human history. The game was imported by the ancient Greeks by 800 B.C. and later played by the Romans. During the Middle Ages, bocce became popular and was played throughout Europe. However, by the 1300’s the game was banned because soldiers preferred bocce over performing military exercises and the Catholic Church deemed it a form of gambling. In the 1500’s Italy rediscovered and adopted bocce as we know it today and later it was brought to America by Italian immigrants.

 

Today, bocce has become one of the fastest growing sports in the United States. People of all

nationalities, young and old, now play on public and private courts located in parks, recreation

centers or residential backyards.