Archaeological digs in France reveal lawn tennis thrived in the 16th and 17th centuries, with findings detailed in Archaeology and History of Lawn Tennis in France.
Archaeological finds in France
Recent excavations in France have uncovered new information about the history of lawn tennis, suggesting the sport reached its peak during the 16th and 17th centuries. These discoveries were made at multiple locations, including the famous palace of Versailles and the town of Villers-Cotterêts.Evolution of the sport
The findings show how lawn tennis evolved from its early forms to become a popular activity in royal palaces and urban areas. Researchers examined various artifacts and structures to understand how the game was played and its cultural significance during that time.Experts involved in the research
Archaeologists, historians, and specialists such as anthropologists, ceramicists, and zooarchaeologists have contributed to interpreting the findings. Each expert provided insights based on their field, helping to piece together the history of the sport through different types of evidence.Published research details
The results of the research are documented in the book Archaeology and History of Lawn Tennis in France, edited by Jean-Yves Dufour and published by Inrap – CNRS Éditions in 2024. This book compiles the findings from the various excavations and analyses.Broader cultural initiative
The study is part of a larger scientific and cultural effort focused on the archaeology of sports, organized by Inrap. This initiative aims to explore how various sports have shaped and been shaped by human history and culture.Contributors to the study
Key contributors to the research include Jean-Yves Dufour, Thierry Bernard-Tambour, a historian and president of the Cercle du jeu de paume de Fontainebleau, and Thierry Galmiche, an archaeologist from the Aisne department. Their combined expertise helped in uncovering and interpreting the historical significance of the sport.
