Hopscotch invented by Rome?

[Tarbicus]

A great way to avoid thrown pila sticking out of the ground and dead bodies? Apparently this medical study shows the clear benefits of such training in sports: The effect of plyometric training on distance running performance

Previous research has reported that plyometric training improves running economy (RE) and ultimately distance-running performance, although the exact mechanism by which this occurs remains unclear.

This link states there's an hopscotch diagram in the Forum in Rome? http://www.recess.ufl.edu/transcripts/2003/0501.shtml , and this one in Pompeii http://missourifolkloresociety.truman.e ... games.html

And then there's this book: http://www.ezydvd.com.au/item.zml/794501

Timgad was on the very edge of the Roman Empire, and every stone bears witness to an intense, exhilarating lifestyle, like the traces left by games of hopscotch or marbles