What is Bocce ?

The premise behind bocce ball, throwing an object at a target, is the oldest and most primitive sports concept in history. The Egyptians first started playing the game in 5200 B.C. using polished stones. From there, it spread to Greece and then Rome, where today’s version of the game first originated. Bocce eventually spread to Europe, and was so popular that at different points throughout history kings, emperors, and even the Catholic Church prohibited their subjects from playing the game for fear that their societies would fall to neglect. Bocce came to the U.S. in the 18th century. While not an immediate hit, bocce began to crop up in small towns and big cities across America, especially in heavily Italian-American neighborhoods. Today the sport is more popular than ever, with clubs and leagues from coast to coast.