Billiards, originally called “Port and King,” is a game that has been for centuries. It is a game that has evolved over time and has become one of the most popular games in the world. Let’s explore the history of billiards and how it has become the game that we know today.
Roots of Billiards
While there are a few conflicting theories as to when the game was invented, most agree that it was created in France during the 15th century. Billiards was said to be a lawn game of the royals similar to Jeu de mail, Paille-maille, Trucco, Croquet, Golf, and Bocce, a game played without sticks. The name “billiards” is thought to have come from the French word “billart,” meaning wooden stick and “bille,” a ball. So the combined version of “billart” and “bille” is “billiards”. This translates to a game that uses a wooden stick and a ball. Although the French created the modern sport known today as billiards, the game itself had predecessors that dated way before the 15th century. In fact, A form of billiards was played outdoors in the 1340s, and was similar to croquet in that it used hoops and pins. This means that the original game of billiards existed even before billiards was played by the French. In essence, it was influenced by an older game.
Historians traced the actual game of billiards back to the Crusades. During this time, the Christian military were tasked to reclaim the Holy Land in the name of Christianity. Because of this, many European countries allied with one another and established Rome as a base and Christian capital. This lead to overall development of the continent, including culture and games. Among the games of the wealthy was a game that was very similar to what we now know as billiards. Most probably, the first predecessor of modern billiards was played by the Knights Templar, who were one of the wealthiest and most powerful group at that time. They then brought the game to Western Europe during 1100 A.D.
What about Billiard Balls?
The first billiard balls were created in the 15th century when France used them in the lawn game. The 1100 A.D. predecessor also had its own type of ball. Moreoever, billiard balls were influenced by game balls that dated before the Renaissance and the Crusades. Even the balls used by the Knights of the Templar were inspired by equipment that ancient civilizations used. Though there is no exact record of when the predecessors of billiard balls were created, uncovered hieroglyphics were show us that a game in ancient Egypt known to us today by the English “Skittles” used balls that were very similar to billiard balls. These balls are thought to have dated sometime in 3300 B.C. Just like modern billiard balls, there were nine in a set.
How Did Billiards Evolve?
Early versions of the game involved players using wooden sticks to knock balls through hoops embedded in the ground. Over time, the game migrated indoors to avoid the unpredictable weather conditions that plagued outdoor sports.
The evolution from an outdoor game to an indoor activity marked the birth of what we now recognize as billiards. Initially played on a grass-covered table with raised edges to keep the balls from falling off, this early form of the game began to take shape. The transition to a wooden table covered in a green cloth laid the foundation for the modern billiards table we know today.
(To be continued…)