Bowling History

If you’re wondering “where and how did bowling begin?”, know that bowling has an interesting history. The history of bowling goes back to ancient times. As it crossed the centuries, it underwent transformations and developments. See the history of bowling below and discover how it was born and became what it is today.

Bowling Timeline

5200 BC: It is said to have been found in Egyptian tombs, pins and balls from a set of primitive bowling. The game used balls made of a rock called porphyry, and 9 pins.

In Polynesia, an ancient game of throwing balls called “ula maika” is also considered as the origin of bowling. Another legend says that warriors of ancient tribes entertained themselves after battles, using the bones of their enemies, as the skulls were thrown by placing the fingers in the eye sockets.

1st Century: In the Roman Empire there was a game with the launch of stone objects.

3rd Century: In Germany, the bowling was played with 9 pins placed in a diamond shape. In addition, churches in Germany held bowling matches. The pin or “Kegel” was placed at the end of a aisle. If you wanted to wash away your sins, you would have to roll a stone to hit the Kegel. It is believed that those who dropped the Kegel purified themselves and were protected. This game brought religious significance to bowling.

Middle Ages: Bowling was one of the favorite games between kings and soldiers. Even bowling was banned in some places and periods, so that soldiers could focus on their training. Bowling has spread across several European countries, both on grass and indoors. There are records in England, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands.

19th Century: The ten pin bowling version, arranged in triangular form, was created in the United States, and then, in the twentieth century expanded to the world.

1895: The American Bowling Congress (ABC) was organized with the aim to standardize and improve the rules.

1930: To unite all bowlers in the world, came the World Tenpin Bowling Association.

1952: Was founded the FIQ (Federation Internationale des Quilleurs).

50’s: Began to emerge machines to return the pins to their location for new games. Before this, the pins were replaced in the position by people called “pinboys”

2003: Imply® launches Bowling Lanes with innovative technology.

Now that you have discovered the history of Bowling, learn more about the technologies available in current equipment: https://imply.com/engb/bowling-and-entertainment/