Are you looking for a unique way to experience a piece of history? Board games have been played throughout time, not just by pharaohs and emperors, but mercenaries, stone masons, merchants, and shepherds. Playing a board game that has existed for thousands of years is a unique opportunity to experience a piece of history in a tactile way.
Here are five reasons you should take up playing ancient board games!
Experience a Piece of History
Often, history can feel a bit dry and distant, filled with lengthy timelines and lists of rulers. While political intrigue may be interesting, the everyday lives of individuals are often forgotten. How did an Egyptian stone mason escape the scorching heat and take a break from carving the likeness of his Pharaoh? What occupied the time of shepherds as they watched their flocks graze in the fields day and night? How did everyday people use those moments of leisure?
One of the ways we know they had time for leisure and entertainment, is that we have uncovered game boards etched into stone in locations all around the world. From the temples of India to the rooftop of Karnak Temple in Egypt, we find a variety of game boards going back to the earliest periods of human history.
Being able to sit down and play a game that you know what played in ancient Israel, Egypt, or Japan, is a unique and tangible way to experience a piece of history. It takes a culture and history out of the pages of a book, and creates a bridge between the past and the present. Interacting with a piece of history is not only a lot of fun, but it grows your appreciation for the people who have come before.
Simple Rules & Supplies
Have you ever sat down to play a new board game and felt completely overwhelmed by the complex system of rules getting thrown at you? Many modern board games come equipped with a thick rulebook, and a box of supplies that could injure a small dog if it got dropped on them. Playing Settlers of Catan or some other modern strategy game is a great way to spend a few hours…but you don’t always have the time or the right people in the room to play a more complex game. In fact, you may not be playing board games as often as you’d like because the barriers to entry are too steep.
One of the beauties of many ancient board games is the rules can be explained in just a couple of minutes, but mastery takes a lifetime. This is a great option if you have kids and want something they can easily pick up, while still having enough strategy to hold your interest as the parent. No more Candy Land in this house! How about a game of Hnefatafl instead?
The other great thing about these historical games is that you can often play utilizing pieces you probably already own. With a simple set of colored pieces, dice, throwing sticks (or coins), and the knowledge of how to draw a board, there are literally dozens of games you could play just about anywhere. Then once you have a feel for the game you can decide if you want to upgrade and make or purchase a higher quality set later.
Brings People Together
In today’s world, where screens dominate our attention, sitting down to play a board game with someone is a refreshing change of pace. We were designed to be social creatures who need to interact face to face with other people. This means sitting down across from someone to play a game and talk to one another, not just firing up an app to stare at your screen. Board games should be a tactile experience. That’s not to say there is absolutely no place for playing a game online against an AI, especially for practice. But I believe if at all possible you should strive to play in front of a physical board, with real people as much as possible. Whether you’re playing with family, friends, or even strangers, board games provide a shared experience that is hard to replicate in any other way.
Board games are also a great social ice-breaker, especially for those of us who struggle with small talk and knowing what to say around new people. Busting out an ancient board game gives something interesting to focus on, and provides more fertile ground to open up conversation. It’s often easier to get to know someone if you’re doing an activity together because it relieves a lot of the social pressure. So the next time you’re invited to a dinner party, don’t just bring a side-dish, but grab a board game to go with it.
Strengthens Your Mind
Many board games require strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Several studies have been done which show that playing board games can help exercise your brain and improve your cognitive function. This is true not only for children and improving their mental skills, but evidence suggest that those who continue to play board games throughout their lives maintain more of the memory and stay sharp into old age.
In ancient China, the game of Weiqi (Go) was listed as one of the four arts (四藝, siyi), which were essential for a scholar to master. The game requires mental flexibility and adaptability, as the board can change dramatically with just one move and it is said that no two games are ever the same. By playing Go regularly, you could develop your ability to analyze complex situations, think creatively, and make sound decisions throughout life.
Other games that combine strategy and chance come with a different set of challenges. By introducing an element of unpredictability you must base your moves on the probability that the roll of the dice will come up in your favor and not your opponents. Though it is unclear what the exact purpose was, there is some evidence to suggest that games like 20 Squares were used in classroom settings, likely to give instruction on calculating probability and strategically planning accordingly. Teaching these skills through board games would be a valuable addition to the classroom today!
Becomes a Creative Outlet
I have noticed that once somebody gets hooked on playing ancient board games, it doesn’t take long before they want to create their own board. For me, it was just learning about The Royal Game of Ur, and within hours I had created a simple board and pieces out of scrap lumber I had laying around. There is a deep satisfaction that comes from being able to create something that can result in hours of family memories and all the other benefits we’ve covered above.
While there is nothing wrong with purchasing a board somewhere online, I do think it’s worth considering picking up some tools and attempting to create something for yourself. It may not be easy at first, but I think you’ll find the result to be worth the time investment.
Ready to Start Playing?
So if you’re looking for a simple and engaging way to spend time with loved ones, or to introduce someone new to your circle, consider bringing out one of these ancient board games. You might be surprised at just how much fun you can have with a few stones and a simple set of rules.
Kaskal Games 