People have always entertained and been entertained. Hunting for the origins of the modern fair is an endless quest.

The origins of the fairground can be traced back into classical antiquity through trade, religious/cult observances and spectacle. The great shows surrounding the Roman circuses are the obvious examples. There are some relics from ancient Egypt and Greece that show pictures of occupations that could be interpreted as primitive fairground attractions. Similarly the labyrinth of Knossos(Crete), is considered by some experts to be an example of an initiatory game.