Ruzzole

Ruzzole is used to describe games where a disc-shaped object is launched as far away as possible.

The game is usually played over the hills, where the streets are perfect for this type of activity.

There are different types of game, but in broad terms are used to denote the three "sub-families" characterized by the different size of the object: ruzzole, rulletto, and ruzzolone.

In the latter type often the object is a form of hard cheese which is given as a prize to those who roll it as far as possible.

Historical Background

A “discus-thrower” is depicted in "Tomb of the Olympiad " at the Etruscan town of Tarquinia. It is therefore possible  that this game was already popular among Etruscans .

This game was widely practiced during  the last period of the Roman Empire and by the early Middle Ages "giocare ad ruellas" was common practice.

Throwing the form of cheese used to be a form of gambling. It is told that a Mr. Baraccani in a single day lost most of the possessions of the family, including the Castle of Monterasello, in the valley of Pavullo (Modena ).

Game Communities

Ferro, Meana di Susa e Mattie (Torino), Piemonte

Lancio del Maiorchino, Novara di Sicilia (Messina), Sicilia