Lusus Troiae
- Ancient Rome
- Less than 1 min
By Crusader1307
The ''Lusus Troiae'' was an Ancient Roman equestrian (horsemanship) Event, which can be traced (in part), to the 6th Century BC (and perhaps older). The ''spectacle'' was designed to highlight the overall skills of both Military and Civilian Horsemen. It was claimed to have been a popular ''skill'' practiced by Greece's legendary Troy, thousands of years before it's adoption by Rome. In addition to ''standard'' riding skills, the use of a circular labyrinth (maze) – popularized in Crete. The pattern was tightly drawn (painted) onto the ground of the tournament field. The rider had to control His horse ''thru'' the Maze – hopefully solving it as He went. It was considered a difficult skill, changed yearly so no one could ''learn the pattern''. Often a golden award was given to the best rider and solver of The Maze.
