II.2. BOCCE
The history of the game goes back to the ancient times. Engravings and objects referring to the game were found on Egyptian graves. The originally stone bowls were made of wood later. In medieval times, the game was played on marketplaces and on the streets, and later even in cloisters and castles. In France, it was banned by Charles IV, and playing was not permitted for nearly 5 centuries. While it was a privilege of the aristocracy in England, in France, it became the game of the poor.
From the 1900s it became an everyday activity for celebrities and average people. Maria Soldati, President Sandro Pertini, Pope John Paul II, Adenauer were among the keen players. Even Walt Disney’s cartoon characters knew the game (1949). Some of the famous painters, like Francisco Goya (1815) or Pablo Picasso (1910) were also inspired by bocce. People of the Italian diaspore, trying to continue their national traditions, have always been playing the game on the outer areas of pubs, taverns, on tennis courts of hotels and on the beaches. Besides regional tournaments, there are international competitions, European and World Championships, as well.
(http://www.bocsa.sport.hu/hu/lapok/tortenet.html)
Video of the game below: