Boat racing is a water-based activity in which boats or other forms of watercraft compete. Boat racing driven by oars is documented in ancient Egypt, and it seems possible that humans have raced boats and other water-borne craft for as long as such craft have existed. The earliest evidence of an organized race meeting dates to 776 AD in Baghdad when the caliph Al-Mansur held a festival called the Muharram al-Mu'tasim to celebrate the victory of his father over the Byzantine emperor Tzath. The modern game of rowing was developed in England between 1711 and 1714. In this early form of the sport, two people were involved, one to row and one to steer. It is not known who came up with the idea of having four persons in each boat, but it has been speculated that it might have been someone wanting to increase the speed of the boats. Whatever the case, this is how the present form of the sport evolved. Racing of any kind is a popular activity among sailors and fishermen the world over. Some believe that boat racing originated with Chinese traders looking for a competitive edge during their trips to Africa where they bought slaves. Others claim that it originates with the Egyptians who used to race chariots on the banks of the Nile. No matter where it originated, it has always been popular especially among sailors and fishermen because it is a fun way to pass the time.