We all know that when you receive a trophy, you've achieved something. Quite often the size of the trophy directly reflects the magnitude of your achievement. Sometimes, like in the Olympics, medals are given instead of trophies.
Trophies have been in existence since ancient times. The term trophy is derived from the French word trophee, and has been used to describe trophies since the sixteen hundreds. The Latin form of the word, trophaeum, literally means monument to victory.
In ancient rome, columns and arches would be built as trophies. Unfortunately many of these large stone memorials have already been stripped of their trophies over the years. When it came to rewarding winners of athletic or other sporting events, the Romans preferred to give the victors money instead of trophies
Trophies go as far back as ancient Greece, where arms and battlefield gear could be hung on a tree, or placed on a large stake in the ground. These ancient trophies would regularly be inscribed using the story from the battle, and would be displayed to commemorate certain warriors or soldiers. These battlefield ornaments would also sometimes be dedicated to the respective Greek gods. When naval battles occurred, wreckage of destroyed ships would be laid out on beaches as a memorial. To destroy or disturb any of these ancient markers was considered extremely disrespectful.
In the initial Olympics in ancient Greece, winners would get a laurel wreath. The wreath would be made from olive branches, just like the god Apollo was said to wear. In later years, the winners would get a vase shaped ceramic container called an amphora. The amphora would be filled with sacred olive oil.
Some sporting trophies have a long and interesting heritage. Chalices were given as trophies as far back as the 1600s. One of the oldest trophies on record is the Kyp Cup. This small silver cup was given to the winner of the horse race between two Colonial towns back in 1699. The trophy was named after the designer, Jesse Kyp, and still stands inside the Henry Ford Museum today.
These days there are some iconic trophies in a few of the most popular sports. The Stanley Cup has been around since 1893. The Davis Cup in tennis was first awarded in 1900. The Claret Jug, that is awarded to the winner of the British Open of Golf, was first given to the winner in 1872.
Thanks to rise in interest in plastic trophies, trophies are a lot less expensive today. There are actually trophies of various sizes for pretty much any type of competition. Engraved Plaques are also increasingly popular. Should you need a trophy for a sporting event, take a look at http://www.quicktrophy.com. We have a great choice of Football Trophies, Golfing Trophies and Glass Trophies. We do free engraving and have a great customer service record.
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