Board Game - History

History

Board games have been played in most cultures and societies throughout history; some even pre-date literacy skill development in the earliest civilizations. A number of important historical sites, artifacts and documents exist which shed light on early board games. Some of these include:

• Jiroft civilization gameboards
• Senet has been found in Predynastic and First Dynasty burials of Egypt, c. 3500 BC and 3100 BC respectively. Senet is the oldest board game known to have existed, and was pictured in a fresco found in Merknera's tomb (3300–2700 BC).
• Mehen, another ancient board game from Predynastic Egypt
• Go, an ancient strategic board game originating in China
• Patolli, a board game originating in Mesoamerica played by the ancient Aztec
• Royal Game of Ur, the Royal Tombs of Ur contain this game, among others
• Buddha games list, the earliest known list of games
• Pachisi and Chaupar, ancient board games of India