Lecture Notes: History of Board Games

Overview

• Focus on the history of board games as part of a broader exploration of gaming history.
• Divided into three lectures: Ancient, Classic, and Modern board games.
• Importance of understanding historical context and major breakthroughs in board gaming.

Ancient Board Game History

Timeline and Classification

• Ancient Period: Up until early 1900s.
• Key divisions marked by significant advances in the field of board gaming.

Earliest Board Games

• 5000 BC: Possible existence of games based on dice findings.
• 3100 BC: First recorded board game: Senet in Egypt.
  • Found in pharaohs' tombs.
  • Uncertain rules, possible religious significance.

Notable Ancient Games

• Hounds and Jackals: Early 2000 BC with depictions in media (e.g., "The Ten Commandments" movie).
• Mehen: Egyptian game resembling a racing game with a spiral and snake motif.
• Royal Game of Ur: Around 2650 BC, similar to backgammon.
  • Complete rules found on a cuneiform tablet.
• Backgammon: Origins around 2000 BC, modern form named in 1645.

Global Ancient Games

• Go: Chinese game from around 400 BC, highly complex with vast possible moves.
• Snakes and Ladders: Indian origin around 200 BC, morality theme.
• Chess: Evolved from several ancient games:
  • Tafl (400-600 AD): Viking game with strategic piece movement.
  • Chaturanga: Indian game influencing modern chess.
  • European rules solidified in 1475; first international tournament in 1851.

Additional Ancient Games

• Mancala: Ancient game with variations worldwide.
• Checkers: Dates back to ancient times.
• Other games: Hopscotch, Mahjong, Dominos.

Cultural Impact of Games

• Games as a universal language across cultures.
• Long-standing traditions and adaptations seen through global spread.

Noteworthy Facts

• Chess holds cultural and commercial significance (e.g., luxurious chess set valued at $4 million).
• Understanding ancient games provides insight into cultural practices and social interactions.

Conclusion

• Ancient board games laid the groundwork for the development of classic and modern board games.
• Next lecture will focus on the classic era of board games.