Sphaeristerium
Sphaeristerium (Latin; from the Greek σφαιριστήριον; from σφαῖρα, ball) is a term in classic architecture given to a large open space connected with the Roman thermae for exercise with balls after the bather had been anointed. They were also provided in Roman villas.
Sports
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Sferisterio delle Cascine at Florence, 19th century
In Italian sferisterio is nowadays the courtfield for tamburello and two different Pallone varieties: Pallone col bracciale and Pallone elastico. These are rectangular smooth grounds with a high wall on one of the long sides. Sizes change depending on the variety: 16 meters (52 ft) wide and 86 meters (282 ft) long for the pallone col bracciale, and 18 meters (59 ft) and 90 meters (300 ft) for the pallone elastico.
References
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This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Sphaeristerium". Encyclopædia Britannica (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press.
- Information pertinent to Macerata's sferisterio (Italian) (English)
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