Some ancient games have existed for more than 5,000 years and have been played since the beginning of civilization. Here are some of the oldest board games in ancient times.
Royal Game of Ur
The Royal Game of Ur, which was played in Ancient Mesopotamia is one of civilization earliest board games. Between 1922 and 1934, several game boards were found by British archaeologist while excavating the Royal Tombs of Ur. Each of the boards found dates back to around 3000 BC. Other similar game boards also have been found across the Middle East. Historians were able to reconstruct the games rules based on a partial clay tablet from Babylon.
Mehen
Mehen is a board game which was played in ancient Egypt. The game is named after the snake god Mehen, and the board is shaped like a coiled snake. Evidence for the Mehen game dates back to the pre-dynastic period around 3000 BC and lasted until the end of the Old Kingdom around 2300 BC. The game seems to be played with lions and lionesses shaped pieces made of ivory and marble. The rules and the method of playing are unknown but experts believe that up to six people were able to play the game.
Royal Game of Ur
The Royal Game of Ur, which was played in Ancient Mesopotamia is one of civilization earliest board games. Between 1922 and 1934, several game boards were found by British archaeologist while excavating the Royal Tombs of Ur. Each of the boards found dates back to around 3000 BC. Other similar game boards also have been found across the Middle East. Historians were able to reconstruct the games rules based on a partial clay tablet from Babylon.
Mehen
Mehen is a board game which was played in ancient Egypt. The game is named after the snake god Mehen, and the board is shaped like a coiled snake. Evidence for the Mehen game dates back to the pre-dynastic period around 3000 BC and lasted until the end of the Old Kingdom around 2300 BC. The game seems to be played with lions and lionesses shaped pieces made of ivory and marble. The rules and the method of playing are unknown but experts believe that up to six people were able to play the game.
