What is the original meaning of the English word acrobatics, derived from the Ancient Greek ‘akrobateo’?

The performance of human feats of balance and agility by maintaining motor coordination is called acrobatics, The word originates from the Greek ‘akrobateo’ meaning ‘walk on tiptoe, strut’.

The demonstration of acrobatic skills are used in a variety of settings including the performing arts, at sporting events, and in martial arts to cite a few examples. The general public is used to viewing acrobatic demonstrations at gymnastic events, a circus, and in the international Olympic competitions.

Historically, acrobatics have been found and recorded thousand of years ago. For example, Minoan art form (c. 2000 BCE) contains depictions of acrobatic feats on the back of bulls. This was a Bronze Age Aegean civilization on the island of Crete and other Aegean Islands.

The Ancient Greeks practiced acrobatics and the noble court displays of the European Middle Ages would often include acrobatic performances that included juggling.

In China, acrobatics were a part of the culture since the Tang Dynasty (203 BCE) plus acrobatics were part of village harvest festivals.

In the 19th century, the English term initially applied to tightrope walking, but later, a form of performance art included circus acts, tumbling and other acrobatic and gymnastic activities. It soon became a competitive sport in Europe.

Acrobatics are not limited to human activity but naturally occur in the animal kingdom as seen in the picture of two squirrels engaged in playful acrobatics.