Final answer:
The Roman Empire used leisure and sport, especially via events like gladiatorial games in the Colosseum, as a means of social control and to demonstrate power. Such practices were widespread, providing distraction and reinforcing social hierarchies. This was echoed in the Olmec civilization's use of sports for spiritual narratives and control.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ancient culture that utilized leisure and sport as a tool of social control was the Roman Empire. Gladiatorial games and chariot races in the Colosseum and other arenas were not just a form of entertainment but also a way for the leadership to showcase power, distract the populace, and reinforce social hierarchies. This practice was visible throughout Roman society, reflecting its obsession with martial prowess and reinforcing the state's dominance.
Similarly, in other cultures such as the Olmec civilization, sports also had a significant role. They provided a stage for individuals to demonstrate their abilities and to engage with spiritual narratives, linking sports to the divine and giving the ruling class a mechanism to exert influence. This relationship between sport, entertainment, and control was a common thread across various societies, using the appeal of competition to maintain authority and social order.