You know what sport predates the Roman Empire, Jesus Christ, and even the first Olympic Games held in 776 BCE? Bowling!

Back in the 1930s, a British anthropologist named Sir Flinders Petrie discovered a primitive bowling set in the grave of a child. So, what’s interesting about that? The grave dated back nearly 5000 years, to the height of the ancient Egyptian empire.

Since then, other anthropologists have discovered hieroglyphics and artwork depicting a sport remarkably similar to modern day bowling. Even more, Professor Edda Bresciani of the University of Pisa uncovered an ancient hall approximately 90 miles south of Cairo that appears to be one of the first indoor bowling alleyways.

Germany

German historian William Pehle asserts that modern day bowling appears to have its roots in Germany, dating back to 300 CE. At that time, most Germans carried kegels, a wooden, pin-shaped rod for sport and protection, and it was believed that knocking down these kegels, or pins, with a rock would pardon their sins.

Sounds like a lot more fun than Confession.

England

Historians debate when bowling was introduced to England. The earliest known evidence of the sport is an antique bowling green in Southampton that dates back to 1299.

In 1366, King Henry III banned bowling from the country, as it was a distraction from archery practice for soldiers. This date marks the first official mention of bowling in historical records.

By the 1400s, bowling was allowed in the country again and lawn bowling lanes were roofed over, turning bowling into a sport that could be played during inclement weather. But by 1511, King Henry VI banned it from the lower classes in an attempt to turn bowling into the sport only for the wealthy.

At this time, many variations of the sport were cropping up all over Europe, including Austria, Switzerland, and the Low Countries. The number of pins varied from 3 to 17, as did the size of the ball and number of players. However, the goal was always the same: knock down as many pins as you can.

America

Bowling was brought to America by British, German, and Dutch settlers. Depictions of Dutchmen playing a version of the game in New York from 1670 is the earliest known evidence of bowling in North America.