What really is what we now call "sport"? Although ubiquitous, it remains a little-understood phenomenon, and - always above reproach - can enjoy a favorable or otherwise indulgent public opinion. However, in sports almost nothing is as it seems. The book therefore uses a rigorous analysis of the sociological, anthropological and historical aspects that characterize the sport among the less known but definitely more interesting, to denounce the great mystification. From the free form of amusement, in fact, over the course of time it becomes a tool of propaganda and indoctrination, commercial phenomenon, duplication of alienating work, expedient for malfeasance, a mere passivising spectacle and new religion.