Soccer - The Barbaric, Brutal Extreme Sport It Used To Be

Soccer was invented by the Romans in order to keep their warriors fit. In 59 B.C., the men in Florence started playing it and called it "calcio storico." The premise of this ancient game was similar to modern-day soccer, with players competing on a square field to get a ball into certain goals. The rules, however, were way different - players were allowed to use any combat moves, box and tackle their opponents. In the Middle Ages, some popes also took part in the sport, but used swords. 

The sport is still played in Florence today by volunteers who don't get any payment for getting beaten to a pulp. In most matches, from the 27 players that enter the game, there are usually around 10 to 15 players that leave the field with injuries.