"Boċċi" is undoubtedly one of the most popular sports among the locals. A version of boules, a metal-ball game, commonly referred to as "bocce." From its beginnings in the early Roman Empire, boċċi has developed into a more structured sport with a variety of rules that are adhered to by nations all over the world, including France, Italy, Australia, and Malta. The earliest maltese boċċi were introduced during the authority of Knights of St. John. Modern boċċi shares more similarities with boules (bowls) and petanque than it did with previous iterations of games involving solely marbles. The modern game of bocci was inspired by an ancient boules-like game that was first recorded in Floriana.