Corporate awards might be a thing that have only sprung up in relatively recent times, but trophies and awards generally have already been around for thousands of years. Decreasing example of instances where trophies have already been an important section of human culture is the Olympic Games.

There is no doubt that, even though trophy which was awarded to winners of an Olympic games event was a laurel wreath, the esteem where it had been held was as great, or maybe even higher than, the gold medal awarded for the same events today. https://mikestrophies.net/acrylic-awards-trophies/ is simply undeniable that awards and trophies which were presented to winners throughout history certainly are a demonstration of the significance that each or group recognition plays in the human psyche.

It is interesting to note the development in the types of trophies awarded to winners as time passes. As stated above, laurel wreaths were the initial trophies ever awarded at the Olympic Games but as time passed awards of sustained significance began to become standard.

Vases filled up with precious essential olive oil were presented to winners in the early days of the Olympic Games and also later, vases on tripods and bronze shields soon became the standard. Later again, silver cups were given as an indicator of the prestige which individual achievements were held.


In ancient Roman times the awards took on sustained significance when money replaced trophies, especially in gladiatorial contests. However the recognition of achievement were still maintained through perpetual trophies handed from winner to win with each passing event.

Even sporting events that have been held in England in the Middle Ages rewarded winners with chalices made from gold and silver coins. Archers would compete for prestigious events hosted by members of the royal family or local lords exclusively for the recognition it accorded them and the esteem where they would be held by the local community. Indeed, it was not uncommon for the winners of these events to eventually achieve sustained standing with the award of land.

Symbolic gestures have become a standard thread throughout history and trophies have become a vital part, not only in Western culture but in many other countries around the world as well.

Ancient Chinese records show that superior achievements on the battlefield were rewarded with medals awarded by the Emperor and in the Mayan culture high achievements were publicly recognised in ceremonies designed specifically for the purpose.

Sporting achievements are also a common thread inside our history where trophies have already been held in the highest esteem. Horse racing is synonymous with this and the history dates back to the 1600s in the Americas in which a small silver cup, later to become known as the Kyp Cup, was awarded to the winner of a horse race between two towns in New England.

As time passes many things change and the values inside our lives ebb and flow with the course of human history, but one thing is certain. Trophies will continue to play their part in the recognition of human achievements whether it be in the corporate sphere or on the sports field.