1961
Publifoto
© Intesa Sanpaolo Publifoto Archive
The first evidence of the existence of bocce ball dates back to 7000 BC in Turkey, and we can be certain that the game was also played in Egypt, Greece and ancient Rome. In the Middle Ages it was particularly widespread and controversial, because it led to disorderly conduct due to disagreements connected with betting. The measures enacted over the centuries to regulate play contributed to give the game its modern guise as a male pastime wherever friends gathered to enjoy leisure time. More recently, in 1873, the first Italian association for the game was created precisely in Turin, under the name Cricca Bocciofila. In that same period, Italian emigrants brought bocce to many American countries.
