- published: 13 Nov 2006
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Mob football is the name given to some varieties of Medieval football, which emerged in Europe during the Middle Ages.
Mob football distinguished itself from other codes by typically having an unlimited number of players and very few rules. By some accounts, any means could be used to move the ball to a goal, as long as it did not lead to manslaughter or murder. These early codes of football were forerunners of modern codes of football such as rugby football, gridiron football and association football.
Harpastum, a Roman game similar to modern Rugby Football, may have been introduced to Britannia during the Roman Conquest, although there is no historical evidence to back up this claim. The uncertain origins of these games have attracted explanation by myth and legend. For example, in the UK, some claim that the games started as a celebration of the defeat of the Romans in the 3rd century. The claim also exists that it was first played with the reproductive organ of a Danish ruler of England who had been deposed.