What’s the Oldest Board Game?
Gaming has been a part of human culture for thousands of years, with ancient civilizations creating board games that tested strategy, luck, and social skills. As we embark on a journey through time, let’s explore the oldest known board game in human history.
The Birth of Board Games
Board games originated in ancient civilizations, with the earliest recorded evidence dating back to around 2500 BC in Ancient Sumer, modern-day Iraq. These games were played on stone and wood boards with seeds, nibs, and other objects serving as game pieces.
The oldest known board game: Royal Game of Ur
One of the oldest and most fascinating board games is the Royal Game of Ur, also known as the Game of the Lord of Lords. Discovered in the ancient city of Ur in modern-day Iraq, this game is believed to have originated between 2600-2400 BC during the Ur III Dynasty. The game is believed to have been played by royalty and was considered an important part of the aristocratic social scene.
What is the Royal Game of Ur?
The Royal Game of Ur is a 20-thrown dice game, played on a rectangular board with nine squares and a grid system. Each player starts at the outer square, trying to reach the center of the board. Seven different throwing combinations yield different moves and results:
- Single throw: Move the pawn one space
- Double throw: Move the pawn two spaces
- Triple throw: Move the pawn to the next corner
- Quad throw: Move the pawn to the opposite side
- Five and six throw: Swap pieces with an opponent
- Seven and eight throw: Go back one space
- Nines and tens throw: Swap pieces and move an extra space
Players take turns throwing the four cat statues, also known as ur--_, trying to move their piece around the board and be the first to reach the center square.
Other ancient board games
The Royal Game of Ur is not the only ancient board game that has been discovered. Here are some notable mentions:
• The Game of Mancala: Originated in ancient India around 4000 BC, this game was played by African and Asian civilizations and is still played today.
• Mehen: An ancient Egyptian board game from around 1200 BC, featuring a snake-like design and being a game of chance and strategy.
• Tlachtli: An ancient Mesoamerican ball game, played with a ball made of rubber and human skulls, around 200 AD.
Conclusion
The Royal Game of Ur is the oldest known board game, giving us a glimpse into the rich gaming heritage of ancient civilizations. With its intricate game board, dice-like throwing mechanics, and complex gameplay, it is an astonishing feat of early game design. As we look back in time, it is clear that humans have always had a natural inclination towards gaming, using games as a form of social bonding, education, and entertainment. As we move forward in time, let’s cherish our gaming legacy and continue to innovate, creating new board games that delight and challenge generations to come.
Additional Facts
• Estimated 6000-year-old: Some archaeologists believe the Royal Game of Ur could be even older than the estimated 3000-year-old dates, making it approximately 6000 years old!
• Popular among ancient royalties: Board games like the Royal Game of Ur were considered an essential part of the social scene, enjoyed by nobles and royalties as a means of relaxation and socialization.
• Lost and found: Excavated by British archaeologists in the 1920s, the game board was forgotten and re- discovered in the 2000s.
• International recognition: The Royal Game of Ur is an UNESCO recognized ancient board game, acknowledging its importance and cultural significance.
• Modifications: Modern adaptations and computer versions have been created, maintaining the original’s authenticity while adding new twists and complexity.
Timeline
| Timeframe | Board Game |
|---|---|
| 2600-2400 BC | Royal Game of Ur (Ur III Dynasty) |
| 4000 BC | The Game of Mancala ( ancient India) |
| 1200 BC | Mehen (ancient Egypt) |
| 200 AD | Tlachtli (Mesoamerican ball game) |
Whatʼs Your Take?
Which board game do you find most fascinating? Are you interested in exploring more ancient games or modern variations? Share your thoughts, and together, let’s journey through the realm of board games, celebrating our love for strategy, creativity, and competition!
Sources
• "The Royal Game of Ur" by National Geographic
• "Ancient Board Games" by BBC Culture
• "The History of Board Games" by Smithsonian Education