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 […]
Games
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Knattleikr, the Popular but Brutal Viking Ball Game
Historical reenactment is not limited solely to the military world, as it encompasses varied aspects such as culture, festivals, or diverse events. It also includes the recreation of traditional sports, with the most popular cases being in Italy: Florentine Calcio Storico, the Palio of Siena, or the Venetian Vogalonga. The transalpine country is not unique […]