Throughout the years, since the introduction of bowling, it has become more and more popular and an exciting indoor sport for many people. It has attracted people from all over the world gaining its reputation as a sport that is fun played and enjoy. Its existence probably began during the time of the ancient Egyptians, as equipment resembling that used in bowling was found in some Egyptian tombs. These discoveries (that could date back as far as the 1700's) signify the popularity of a game similar to bowling. The game probably was played by rolling at stone at other objects. Historians also record that evidence of a similar game was found in the eastern part of Polynesia.
The modern sport of bowling is believed to have originated in Germany during the third century. It was known as a religious ritual where peasants brought their own "Kegel" - a tool that served as their defense against rebels and oppressors. To test their faith, priests challenged these people to knock down their "Kegel" by rolling a stone at it. When this was attempted, many believed that they would be forgiven of their sins.
As time evolved, bowling has developed as a sport. The Italians have their own modern version of the sport where the stones used to knock down the "Kegel" were replaced by a true ball. It all started in the thirteenth century and at that time they called the sport "bowls". England and the Netherlands modernized the game in the 1300's and it became known as "ninepins" and was enjoyed by the royalty.
It was during the middle of the 18th century that the game's popularity expanded. The royalties eventually banned the game because it was used for gambling and revolutionaries were using it to gather in the bowling alley to plot their actions.
In New York City, there were about 400 bowling alleys established in the 1850s. The popularity grew because of gambling and mafia activities held in the alleys. In the 1880's the city brought back its attraction to the populace by organizing leagues and tournaments for employees who worked for the large companies in the city.
Today it is still one of the most popular indoor sports in the country. It is a sport where a person can have fun with his friends and family. Because of the popularity of this game, it is being considered as a standard sport in the upcoming Olympics.
