During the archaeological rescue efforts led by the federal Ministry of Culture, through the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), nine patolli engravings were discovered along Section 7 of the Maya Train. These patollis, which are an ancient Mesoamerican game, were found on the free road to Chetumal, in a structure identified as T7-44279, […]
Board Games
Posted inBronze Age Archaeology
The Discovery of an Ancient Game Board from Bronze Age Challenges Its Egyptian Origin
A recent archaeological study has revealed that an ancient board of a game, known as the fifty-eight-hole game, and found in 2018 on the Absheron peninsula, located in present-day Azerbaijan, is the oldest one known. This discovery challenges previous theories about the origin and spread of this enigmatic pastime, which was played in various parts […]
Posted inMedieval Archaeology
A Collection of Medieval Game Pieces from 1,000 Years Ago Unearthed in a German Castle
More than 1,000 years ago, chess made its way from the East to Europe. However, chess pieces from the early days of the game are very rare. Now, in archaeological excavations at a forgotten castle in southern Germany, an excellently preserved knight piece has been discovered. The find is part of a unique collection of […]
Posted inCulture, History
Go, the Oldest Continuously Played Board Game to Date
Born in Berthelsdorf (Saxony, before German unification) in the mid-19th century, Oskar Korschelt had barely reached adulthood when he accepted a position as a chemistry professor at the Tokyo Medical College, later working for the Japanese government and industry. He spent almost a decade in the land of the rising sun, enough time to develop […]
Posted inStone Age Archaeology
More than 20 Mancala Game Boards Carved in Rock Dating Back Thousands of Years Found in Kenya
Researchers from Yale University have made a spectacular archaeological discovery in Kenya that sheds light on the recreational activities of past societies in this region of Africa. Dr. Veronica Waweru, who leads the research project in the central area of Kenya, recently uncovered a series of ancient game boards carved in rock dating back thousands […]
