Where did it start?
Early forms of rock climbing can be seen in ancient civilizations such as China, where rock climbing was used for military purposes as early as the 3rd century BCE. There are also records of rock climbing activities in various parts of Europe dating back to the 16th century, where it was primarily used for hunting, exploration, and as a means of transportation.
The development of modern rock climbing as a sport, however, can be attributed to the 19th century in Europe, particularly in the Alps. With the rise of mountaineering as a popular activity, climbers began to develop new techniques and equipment to ascend challenging rock faces in addition to mountains. Climbers like Walter Parry Haskett Smith, Geoffrey Winthrop Young, and Oscar Eckenstein are considered pioneers in the history of rock climbing, as they developed innovative methods and equipment, such as the use of ropes, pitons, and other protective devices.
