Bull-leaping is thought to have been a key ritual in the religion of the Minoan civilization on Bronze Age Crete. As in the case of other Mediterranean civilizations, the bull was the subject of veneration and worship. Representation of the Bull at the palace of Knossos is a widespread symbol in the art and decoration of this archaeological site. A tradition of non-violent bull-leaping is practiced in some parts of Spain. Known as the Recortes, athletes, known as Recortadores, compete at dodging and leaping over bulls without the use of the cape or sword. Some Recortadores use a long pole to literally pole-vault over the charging animal, which is both larger than the type used in the French sport, and unrestrained by any guiding rope or similar safety device.

Another example of related sport is Jallikattu, a Pongal celebration related sporting event in Tamil Nadu, India. In this sport, the participants are trying to leap onto a bull, specifically reaching for the money packets tied to the bull’s horns as a prize. This ancient event has been depicted in rock art dated at least to 3rd C BC.

Source: Bull-Leaping

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