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Who Invented Soccer
Documented evidence of what is possibly the oldest activity resembling football can be found in a Chinese military manual written during the Warring States Period in about the 476 BC–221 BC. The Ancient Greeks and Romans are known to have played many ball games some of which involved the use of the feet. Games played in Central America with rubber balls by indigenous peoples are also well-documented.
The Middle Ages saw a huge rise in popularity of annual Shrovetide football matches throughout Europe. In the 16th century, the city of Florence celebrated the period between Epiphany and Lent by playing a game which today is known as "calcio storico" ("historic kickball") in the Piazza della Novere. The young rich would dress up in fine silk costumes and play a violent form of football. For example, calcio players could punch, shoulder charge, and kick opponents.
While football continued to be played in various forms throughout Britain, schools are credited with developing modern soccer / football rules.
