04/07/2025
The history of cockfighting is uncertain, it is not known for certain when it became an official sport.
In BC times, approximately 3,000 years ago during the times of the Phoenicians, Hebrews and Canaan rooster fights were already popular.
Raising roosters to fight in a ring was considered an art and negotiating them was profitable.
In Egypt, during Moses’ time, rooster fights were a preferred pastime.
At the height of Greek civilization, Themistocles, general who was preparing to fight the invading Persians. He decided to carry out a rooster fight the night before battle to inspire his men by showing them the natural bravery of the rooster. Persian traders really enjoyed gambling on their roosters.
They brought their birds to play in the markets and centers where they traded.
In the photograph:
Two Young Greeks in a cockfight
Artist: Jean Léon Gérôme
Oil on canvas
Orsay Museum (Paris, France).
