When did tug of war begin to commonly refer to an athletic contest between two teams who haul at the opposite ends of a rope ?
Archeological evidence shows that tug of war was also popular in India in 12th century AD:Tug of war stories about heroic champions from Scandinavia and Germany circulate Western Europe where Viking warriors pull animal skins over open pits of fire in tests of strength and endurance in preparation for battle and plunder.1500 and 1600 – tug of war is popularised during tournaments in French châteaux gardens and later in Great Britain1800 – tug of war begins a new tradition among seafaring men who were required to tug on lines to adjust sails while ships were under way and even in battle .