HISTORY OF BOARD GAMES: Including the Ones You Wish You Could Play Today

Summary

This video traces the fascinating history of board games, from their origins over 5,000 years ago in ancient civilizations like Egypt and Mesopotamia, to the cultural significance of games such as Senet, the Royal Game of Ur, and Chaturanga. It explores how board games evolved over centuries, including their role in ancient rituals and military training. The narrative also covers the rise of popular games in the modern era, such as Monopoly and Diplomacy, and concludes with the current boom in board game creation, driven by innovative ideas and platforms like Kickstarter.

Takeaways

• 😀 Board games have ancient origins, dating back to at least 3100 BC, older than written language.
• 😀 The first evidence of a board game was found in Turkey at Başur Höyük, potentially a proto-board game.
• 😀 Senet, a game from ancient Egypt, is one of the oldest surviving board games, believed to represent the journey to the afterlife.
• 😀 Mehen, another Egyptian game, featured a coiled snake and dates back to around 3000 BC.
• 😀 The Royal Game of Ur, found in Mesopotamia, is a two-player strategy race game, dating back to around 2600 BC.
• 😀 The Game of Ur remained popular across the Middle East and was even found in the tomb of Tutankhamun.
• 😀 Ludus duodecim scriptorium, a Roman board game, was known for its 12-marking boards and dice-based gameplay.
• 😀 Chaturanga, an ancient Indian game, evolved into the modern game of Chess, with distinct military divisions represented by pieces.
• 😀 The game of Chess evolved over centuries, with modern rules solidified around 1475 AD.
• 😀 In the 19th century, board games experienced a revival, with games like Traveler's Tour Through the United States and The Mansion of Happiness.
• 😀 The rise of popular modern games like Monopoly and Diplomacy marked the continued evolution of board games, introducing elements of strategy and negotiation.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of board games according to the script?

Board games serve two primary purposes: they offer entertainment as a distraction from harsh realities, and they provide a safe environment for honing strategic and quick-thinking skills.

How old are board games, and what is the earliest evidence of their existence?

Board games are believed to be at least as old as written language. The earliest evidence of a board game dates back to around 3100 B.C., with findings in the archaeological site of Başur Höyük in Turkey.

What game is considered the oldest known board game with surviving pieces?

The oldest known board game with surviving pieces is Senet, which originated in ancient Egypt around 2000-1700 B.C. It is depicted in hieroglyphs and murals dating as early as 3100 B.C.

What was the significance of the game Senet in ancient Egyptian culture?

Senet was more than just a game in ancient Egypt. It was believed to represent the journey of the 'ka' (the vital spark) to the afterlife, and it was even mentioned in the Egyptian Book of the Dead.

What is known about the ancient Egyptian game Mehen?

Mehen, dating to around 3000 B.C., was another ancient Egyptian board game. Its gameboard depicted a coiled snake, and it was played using pieces that moved along the snake’s body. However, the rules of the game remain unknown.

What is the Royal Game of Ur, and where was it discovered?

The Royal Game of Ur is an ancient strategy race game from Mesopotamia, dating to around 2500 B.C. It was discovered in the Royal Cemetery of Ur in modern-day Iraq and is known for its beautifully crafted boards and pieces.

What was the main objective of the Royal Game of Ur?

In the Royal Game of Ur, the objective was to move all seven pieces off the board before your opponent did, using dice to determine movement. The game featured safe zones and spaces where pieces could be sent back to the beginning.

What is the connection between Chaturanga and modern chess?

Chaturanga, an ancient Indian game from the 6th century, is considered a precursor to chess. The game was played on an 8x8 board and had pieces representing infantry, cavalry, chariotry, and elephants, which later evolved into the pawn, knight, bishop, and rook in modern chess.

How did board games evolve in the 19th century?

Board games experienced a resurgence in the 19th century, transitioning from religious themes to secular ones. Games like 'The Checkered Game of Life' (1860) focused on real-life achievements such as marriage, education, and wealth, reflecting a shift toward everyday values.

What is the history behind Monopoly, and how did it become popular?

Monopoly was created by Lizzie Magie in 1903 as a game to illustrate the negative aspects of monopolies. It became widely popular after being mass-produced, with its rules evolving into the modern version we know today.

What makes the board game Diplomacy different from others?

Diplomacy, first published in 1959, is a unique board game due to its emphasis on negotiation and alliances. Players must form and betray alliances with others, making it a game of strategy and social interaction, with notable fans including Henry Kissinger and Isaac Asimov.

How did Settlers of Catan contribute to modern board gaming?

Settlers of Catan, published in 1995, played a pivotal role in the modern board game revival. It introduced new mechanics like resource management, trading, and development, which became a staple in many contemporary board games.