There are different theories of where this sport originated. The French refer to the sport as "Boule Lyonnaise." Many believe the ancient Phoenicians, Egyptians, Greeks, & Romans invented an early form of bocce. One theory suggests their soldiers played with rocks to pass time in-between battles.

Another theory suggests that it was developed into its present form in Italy (where it is called bocce, the plural of the Italian word boccia which means 'bowl' in the sport sense), it is played around Europe and also in overseas areas that have received Italian migrants, including Australia, North America, and South America (where it is known as bochas – however it is enjoyed and played by our Residents as well and we learnt a lot from the workshop.