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The Royal Game of Ur

The Royal Game of Ur was one of the most popular games of the ancient world. Hundreds of boards have been uncovered in Iraq, Egypt, Israel, Crete, and India. But, in our day very few people have even heard of this game, let alone played for themselves. Why was this game so popular that it spread all across Mesopotamia and yet it has been nearly lost to time?

Game Type	Racing
Number of Players	2
Region	Mesopotamia
Time Period	2,800 B.C.
Learning Difficulty	Easy

Culture & History

Archaeologists have uncovered more than one hundred examples of this ancient game throughout the Fertile Crescent. The most famous being boards and pieces discovered by Leonard Woolley in the Sumerian royal tombs in the ancient city of Ur. We are unsure of what the original name for this game may have been. But, after the discovery of these boards by Leonard Woolley, today the game has come to be known as The Royal Game of Ur.

This 5,000-year-old board game was not only played in royal courts though, but by everyday people who could easily scratch a board on the ground, or carve it into a paving stone nearby to play to pass the time. The beauty of many ancient games like this is the things required to play them were so accessible that almost anyone, anywhere could play.

This is how the popularity of the game spread across the ancient world, likely by merchants and mercenaries who would carry the knowledge of the game with them from place to place. Any game with simple rules, which required minimal pieces, and is genuinely fun was bound to spread. Interestingly enough, even in the 20th century, there was still a group of Jews living in Kochin, India, who were playing a relative of this game, Asha, all the way into modern times. It is possible that the ancestors of these people had learned about the game during Israel’s Babylonian captivity in 586 B.C. and they brought it with them after they migrated east.

What Happened To It?

With the exception mentioned above, how could The Royal Game of Ur be lost to history after several thousands of years of popularity? While we do not know the answer for sure, it may have simply been a matter of newer games coming in and capturing the world’s attention. Many will point to Backgammon as a possible example of a game that may have caused the demise of The Royal Game of Ur. The excitement of a new game can sometimes cause a classic to sit on the proverbial shelf, and after a few generations, it can be simply forgotten.

Rediscovering How to Play

The problem with a board game everyone knows how to play is there really isn’t a good reason to write down the rules. This is a frequent problem with many ancient board games and The Royal Game of Ur is no exception. For decades people have attempted to piece together the rules, including a young boy in the UK who enthusiastically created his own board based on the one uncovered by Leonard Woolley.

Fortunately, this same boy would one day become a curator in the British Museum, with access to their collection of cuneiform tablets and the skill to read them. In the 1980s, Dr. Irving Finkle began deciphering one of the tablets in the museum’s collection, and he realized what he had was an ancient rulebook for the game he was so interested in as a boy.

The cuneiform tablet was originally written by Itti-Marduk-balatu, a scribe in Babylon around 177 B.C. While some of the rules certainly changed over time and across locations, suddenly we at least had some insight into how it was played a couple centuries before the time of Christ! After years of careful study of the tablet, Dr. Finkle was able to piece together how the game was played at that time, with a simple and more complex version of the game.

Several other people have also attempted to piece together rules for this mysterious game, including R.C. Bell, J.R. Murray, and Dmitriy Skyruk. But, the rule set developed by Dr. Finkle tends to be the one most people play today, in many ways due to a fun YouTube video produced by the British Museum with Dr. Finkle and Tom Scott. The video has several million views and counting and there’s a good chance this video is the reason you ultimately landed on this blog!

The Rules

The Royal Game of Ur would be considered a racing game, like Senet or Parchisi. It is played with two players, using a board with a rather iconic pattern of squares. Each player has a set of seven game pieces which they move around the board according to the toss of throwing sticks or the roll of tetrahedral dice. The objective is to be the first player to move all of your pieces along the path and have each of them exit the board at the end.

One player starts by tossing four throwing sticks, and for each one with the pattern facing up will give them the number of spaces they can move one of their pieces. The roll cannot be divided between multiple pieces.

The pieces enter the board and travel following the path highlighted in the image above. For a piece to exit the board, you must roll the exact number required.

You cannot land on a space occupied by one of your own pieces, but you can move to a space occupied by your opponent’s piece. This removes their piece from the board and forces it to begin its journey all over again.

Following the route, you may land on a space decorated with a rosette. These are special spaces that allow you to throw the sticks again for an additional turn. The rosettes also act as a safe space where your piece cannot be knocked off the board.

Potential Rule Variation

You will find several variations to how to play this game, which was likely the case in the ancient world as well. In my opinion, that’s part of the fun of these old games because you can have fun trying different variants of the game and see which you prefer. A rigid and universal set of rules is a modern idea in many ways. The reality is, even today there are dozens of ways people play backgammon or checkers, depending on where you are in the world.

One simple way to alter the game is to change the path the pieces will travel, particularly near the end. Some have suggested this may be a better interpretation of the path that was historically used, because it reflects the consistent spacing of having a rosette every four spaces. Which is what you see in later boards for the game of 20 Squares.

In this variation of the game, since the rosettes are placed 4 spaces apart, this means you theoretically could move one piece from start to exit in a single turn. But, the since the odds are 1:16 just to roll a 4, then you would have to do it 4 times in a row, and then toss a 1 to allow your piece to exit the board…I wouldn’t count on that as a strategy but it is possible!

Start Playing

The Royal Game of Ur is one of my favorite types of games because it’s easy to explain all the rules in just a few minutes, but has enough strategy involved to keep seasoned players engaged. This makes it an excellent game to play with kids or bring to gatherings with people who may not be as passionate about board games as you. The unique shape of the board always grabs attention, so then you can quickly explain the rules, give a little bit of background to the game, and bring this fun and unique game to another generation.

If you’re a fan of board games and ancient history, then The Royal Game of Ur is definitely worth exploring. With its unique gameplay, intricate design, and rich cultural history, it’s no wonder this ancient game has stood the test of time.

5 Reasons to Play Ancient Board Games

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.

Hnefatafl – Viking Chess

If you like chess but want to play something unique that combines strategy, skill, and a touch of Viking history, then look no further than hnefatafl. This ancient Nordic game dates back over 1,000 years and versions of the game have endured even to this day.

How You Play

The game is played on a board with a specific pattern of squares, and each player has a set of game pieces which they move around the board according to specific rules. The objective of the game is to either capture the opposing king or to help the king escape to the edge of the board.

But what sets hnefatafl apart from other board games is its unique asymmetrical gameplay. One player takes on the role of the king and his defenders, while the other player controls the attacking pieces. This means that each player has a different set of objectives and strategies, making for a truly challenging and engaging game.

Hnefatafl’s Viking roots are also evident in its design. The board is often adorned with intricate Viking artwork and the game pieces are often shaped like Norse warriors. The game’s name itself even means “king’s table” in Old Norse.

Despite being over a millennium old, hnefatafl continues to captivate players today. Modern versions of the game are available for purchase, and it’s even been featured in popular culture, such as in the television show “Vikings.”

If you’re a fan of board games or Viking history, hnefatafl is definitely worth exploring. With its unique gameplay, rich cultural history, and challenging strategy, it’s no wonder that this ancient game has stood the test of time. So gather your warriors and prepare for battle – the game of hnefatafl awaits!

Senet – The Egyptian Game of Pharaohs

Do you want to experience a piece of ancient Egypt with a game played by pharaohs and even ancient workers who built the temple of Karnak? If so, let me introduce you to Senet, an ancient Egyptian game that dates back over 5,000 years. This game was not only a favorite pastime of the pharaohs and their courts but also played by commoners throughout Egypt.

How You Play

The game is played on a board with a series of squares arranged in a specific pattern, with each player having a set of game pieces which they move around the board according to the roll of dice. The objective is to be the first player to move all of your pieces off the board.

What sets Senet apart from other ancient board games is its unique gameplay and symbolism. It’s believed that the game was not just a form of entertainment but also had a spiritual significance. The game was often used in funerary rituals, with the belief that it would help guide the deceased to the afterlife.

The symbolism in Senet is also evident in the game pieces and the design of the board. The game pieces were often shaped like animals, which were believed to be symbols of deities, and the squares on the board represented different stages of the journey to the afterlife.

But beyond its spiritual significance, Senet is also a challenging and strategic game. Players must decide when to move their pieces forward and when to block their opponent’s progress. Plus, the inclusion of “special” squares on the board, such as the “water” and “rebirth” squares, adds an additional layer of complexity to the game.

Despite its age, Senet continues to fascinate people today. Modern versions of the game are available for purchase, and it’s even been featured in popular culture, such as in the video game “Assassin’s Creed Origins.”

If you’re a fan of board games or just interested in ancient history and culture, Senet is definitely a game worth exploring. With its unique gameplay, rich symbolism, and fascinating cultural significance, it’s no wonder that this ancient game has endured through the ages.